Rape and sexual assault
Rape, attempted rape and assault with intent to rape
Rape is when a man uses his penis to penetrate someone’s vagina, anus or mouth without their consent (the person did not agree to it). The victim of the offence can be a male or female.
Sexual assault by penetration
Sexual assault by penetration is when the attacker sexually penetrates the vagina or anus of the victim without their consent. The penetration could involve a part of the attacker’s body (for example a finger) or an object (for example a bottle or a vibrator).
An attacker might also use his penis. There is an overlap between the offences of ‘rape’ and ‘sexual assault by penetration’. This is to cover cases where the victim is not sure if they were penetrated by a penis, for example, because they were blindfolded at the time.
Sexual assault
Sexual assault is when an attacker grabs, touches or kisses someone in a sexual way without consent directly, through clothing, with a part of the body or an object or forces someone to do something sexual against their will.
Sexual assault includes ejaculating semen onto the victim or urinate or emit saliva onto the victim sexually.
Consent
You can be raped or sexually assaulted by a stranger or someone you know. It can happen to anyone – women, men and children. It may have happened recently or a long time ago. It can happen once or often. What matters is that it happened without your consent.
Consent can never be assumed, even in a relationship or marriage. It doesn’t matter what you were wearing at the time, or how you were behaving — sexual activity without your consent is rape or sexual assault.
You may not be able to give your consent if you were under the influence of alcohol or drugs, didn’t understand what was happening or were asleep. If you don’t have the capacity to give your consent, it cannot be assumed.
You’re allowed to change your mind. If at first you wanted to have sex but then decided against it, that’s alright and no-one has the right to force you to continue. If they don’t stop, then what they are doing is sexual assault or rape.
Rape and sexual assault are types of sexual violence which can have a devastating effect and can affect people in different ways. There are legal definitions for these crimes which are very precise – what you’ve experienced may not fit the legal definitions but can be just as upsetting and frightening.
As well as the physical effects of rape and sexual assault, your mental and emotional well-being can be seriously affected.
Rape and sexual assault survivors may experience:
- Self-blame, which can slow the healing process
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – feelings of severe anxiety and stress
- Depression
- Flashbacks – memories of assault as if it is taking place again
- Sleep disorders
- Eating disorders
- Guilt
- Distrust of others
- Anger
- Feelings of personal powerlessness
- You may also suffer from a financial loss due to being unable to go to work
It’s important to remember that all of these reactions are normal, and this is not your fault. Only your attacker is to blame for their behaviour.
Experiencing rape or sexual assault is traumatic, and it can take a lot of courage to talk about what happened.
Getting support is an important part of surviving and moving forward with your life.
You might be able to get support from a trusted friend or family member, but there are also organisations that can help. You can speak to your GP about getting help or talk to a supporter at an organisation like Victim Support Scotland. Whoever you decide to talk to, remember you don’t have to face this alone.
Victim Support Scotland can provide personalised support and information to you and anyone you know who might be affected by the crime. You don’t need to report the crime to receive our help.
First and foremost, we will listen to you and allow you the time to talk about your experiences. We will provide you with a trained supporter who has experience dealing with such cases and who can offer nonjudgmental support and information.
Our aim is to help you feel safer and emotionally stronger as well as better informed of your rights.
If you or someone you care about has been affected by rape or sexual assault, please know that you are not alone. Whoever you are, whatever the situation and whenever the crime took place, we can help you.
You can access our services regardless of whether you have reported the crime or not to the police. Our services are free, independent and confidential.*
*We will only alert someone else if we feel you are at risk to yourself or to others.
Sexual Assault Referral Centre (Archway)
Phone: 0141 211 8175
Offers forensic examinations, testing for infections and emotional support. It can also store forensic samples to give you time to decide if you want to involve the police. This service is for anyone over 13 who has been raped or sexually assaulted in Greater Glasgow in the last 7 days.
Rape Crisis Scotland
Phone: National Helpline on 08088 01 03 02 (6pm to midnight, 7 days a week)
Provides a rape crisis helpline and email support for anyone affected by sexual violence. They can also put you in touch with local rape crisis centres or other services for ongoing support.
Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline
Phone: 0800 027 1234 (24 hour service)
Provides confidential information and support to anyone affected by forced marriage or domestic abuse.
Scottish Women’s Aid
Phone: 0131 226 6606
Provides advice, support and safe accommodation for women (and their children) who have been abused by their partner or ex-partner. They can recommend local groups.
Eighteen and Under
Phone: 0800 731 40 80 (weekdays 9am to 5pm)
Confidential support and information for anyone under the age of 18 who has experienced sexual, physical or emotional abuse.
Scottish Women’s Rights Centre
Helpline for across Scotland: 08088 010 789 (Every Wednesday, 1.30pm to 4.30pm)
Book an appointment in Glasgow: 0141 552 3201
Book an appointment in Hamilton: 01698 527 003
Free legal help for women affected by violence, such as rape, domestic abuse, stalking, forced marriage and human trafficking. Phone the helpline or book an appointment for one of the surgeries in Glasgow or Hamilton.
Survivors UK National Helpline web chat (for men)
Monday and Tuesday, 6pm to 9pm
Wednesday 12pm to 2.30pm and 6pm to 9pm
Thursday 12pm to 2.30pm
Information, support and counselling for men who have been raped or sexually abused.
Men’s Advice Line
Phone: 0808 801 0327 (weekdays 9am to 5pm)
For men experiencing domestic abuse from their current or ex-partner.
Whoever you are and whatever the crime, we’re here to help
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