Sexual Assault and Rape

This section provides information about rape and sexual assault; and aims to dispel some common myths.

What is rape?

Rape is a very serious crime; and can happen to both men and women. It is an act of violence, domination and anger, involving sexual intercourse or certain sexual acts without consent.

What is sexual assault?

Sexual assault can be committed by both men and women, against a man or a woman.

Different types of sexual assault include:

• objects or parts of the body (such as a finger) penetrating someone's vagina or anus without their consent
• someone being touched in a sexual way that makes him or her feel uncomfortable or frightened (this could be through their clothes)
• someone being made to sexually stimulate themselves using their hands or fingers (known as masturbation) or putting objects into their vagina or anus when they don't want to do it

It is important to remember that being pressurised or forced to have sex when you don't want to is a crime.

What is consent?

A person consents if he/ she agrees by choice, and has the freedom and capacity to make that choice.

The law recognises that consent can be withdrawn at any time before or during a sexual act, so if someone says yes to begin with and then says no during sex, consent has been withdrawn.

If someone is too drunk to give consent, it should always be assumed that they have NOT given their consent.

Myths and facts about rape and sexual assault

Myth: Most rapes are committed by strangers.
Fact: Most rapes are carried out by somebody you know and trust.

Myth: Rape happens because of the way the victim is dressed.
Fact: Rape has nothing to do with what the victim wears. Nobody has the right to have sex with someone without their consent.

Myth: People who are drunk are partly to blame for being raped.
Fact: The only person to blame is the rapist. Being drunk doesn't give anyone the right to hurt you.

Myth: Rape doesn't happen to men.
Fact: This is not true - men can also be raped. Rape is sex without consent regardless of whether you are male or female.

Myth: If your boyfriend forces you to have sex, it is not real rape.
Fact: If you have been forced to have sex by anyone, it is rape.

Myth: When it comes to sex, some people say ‘no’; but they really mean ‘yes’.
Fact: No means no but sometimes people may be too frightened to say anything. This doesn't mean they are consenting to sex.

Support and help

There are no excuses for rape or sexual assault; no-one asks for it and no-one deserves it.

Lancashire Police take investigations into rape and sexual assault very seriously. We have specially trained officers who will explain the process all the way through and help you to make a statement about what has happened. There will also be people there who can help you with any medical concerns you might have.

If you feel unable to report it to the police straight away, tell someone you trust. You can speak to your GP or if you are at college or university, welfare staff and the Student Union will be able to offer help and advice.

You can also self-refer to the SAFE Centre, a specialist unit at Preston Royal Hospital. They offer counselling, support and help with forensic examinations. They can be contacted on 01772 523 344.