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How many women are sexually assaulted?
A 2017 study by the Crime Survey in England and Wales estimated that since the age of 16, 20% of women had experienced some form of sexual assault. In contrast, this same study estimated that 4% of men were victims of sexual assault since the age of 16.
Remember...
If you’re currently at risk of sexual assault, call the police immediately on 999.
What is sexual assault?
Sexual assault is any sexual act that someone is forced into without consent. Without consent means that the victim didn’t agree to the act.
When it comes to consent with sexual acts, someone must consider the following:
- Permission. It’s consent if someone wants to perform sexual activities without any force, manipulation or influence from drugs or alcohol.
- Reversible. People are allowed to change their minds. Just because two people are in bed naked doesn’t mean it’s too late for someone to change their mind.
- Informed. A person can only consent to what they know. If someone doesn’t know the entire story, it’s sexual assault. For example, if a man says he’ll use a condom and doesn’t or a woman falsely tells a man that she’s using birth control pills.
- Specifics. Just because someone says yes to one thing, it doesn’t mean they consent to something else. For example, if someone consents to kiss, it doesn’t mean they consent to sexual intercourse.
- Age. In the eyes of the law, anyone below the age of 16 is seen as too young to consent. Therefore, even if someone below the age of 16 has consented to a sexual act, it’s legally not considered consent.
What counts as sexual assault?
Some common examples of sexual assault include:
- Assault by penetration. If someone has penetrated you with any part of their body other than a penis or by using an object, this is an assault by penetration.
- Forced kissing.
- Groping. Groping involves touching someone’s body to get sexual pleasure when the other person hasn’t given consent.
- Child sexual abuse. This form of assault involves forcing or enticing someone below the age of 16 to participate in sexual activities.
- Sexual torture. For example, beating, electric shocks, human experimentation and human tissue removal.
Sexual assault comes in various forms and isn’t limited to the examples above.
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How to report sexual assault?
If you’re a victim of sexual assault, try not to wash or throw away your clothes after the incident, as it can destroy valuable forensic evidence.
Furthermore, there are numerous services we advise you to contact to report the incident and get emotional and medical support following such a traumatic event. These services include:
- The police. In an emergency call 999. However, if it’s not an emergency call 101.
- Rape Crisis. Rape Crisis offer emotional support to any victims of sexual assault.
- Refuge. Refuge support women and children who’re victims of domestic abuse.
- NHS on 111.
- A doctor or practice nurse at your local GP surgery.
There’s no pressure to report sexual assault. However, make sure you still consider getting medical support, as you may be at risk of sexually transmitted infections/ diseases or pregnancy.
How to report sexual assault?
If you’re a victim of sexual assault, try not to wash or throw away your clothes after the incident, as it can destroy valuable forensic evidence.
Furthermore, there are numerous services we advise you to contact to report the incident and get emotional and medical support following such a traumatic event. These services include:
- The police. In an emergency call 999. However, if it’s not an emergency call 101.
- Rape Crisis. Rape Crisis offer emotional support to any victims of sexual assault.
- Refuge. Refuge support women and children who’re victims of domestic abuse.
- NHS on 111.
- A doctor or practice nurse at your local GP surgery.
There’s no pressure to report sexual assault. However, make sure you still consider getting medical support, as you may be at risk of sexually transmitted infections/ diseases or pregnancy.
What is the punishment for sexual assault?
The punishment for sexual assault depends on the type and severity of the crime and the victim’s age. The maximum sentences are as follows:
If the victim is over the age of 13, the maximum sentence you will receive is 10 years imprisonment.
If the victim is below the age of 13, the maximum sentence you will receive is 14 years imprisonment.
How can Britton and Time Solicitors help?
If you’re facing a charge, it’s essential to seek the assistance of a criminal defence solicitor as soon as possible. Our criminal defence solicitors can provide the following:
- Representation during questioning
- Advice on whether you should take a plea
- An application for bail, when necessary
- Preparation for trial
- Representation in court
- Assistance on making appeals, if necessary
To contact one of our criminal defence solicitors, visit our criminal page and contact us on 020 3007 5500.
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