Date rape

‘Date rape’ isn’t a specific offence but you might hear the term used to describe rape when the survivor and perpetrator are known to each other, for example if they’re friends or are dating.

The person raped may be drugged and unable to give consent.

It doesn’t matter if you knew the person who raped you — sex without consent is rape.

Marital rape

Consent can never be assumed, even in a marriage.

Being married does not give your partner any right to force you into having sex or to have sex with you without your consent. If this happens, it is still rape and your partner can be prosecuted.

Statutory rape

‘Statutory rape’ is the term that’s sometimes used to describe the rape of children under the age of consent.

In the UK, a child under the age of 13 cannot legally consent to any sexual activity. The age of legal consent in the UK is 16.

Gang rape

If someone is raped by a group of men, this is sometimes referred to as ‘gang rape’.

Oral rape

‘Oral rape’ is a term often used to describe what happens when a man penetrates your mouth with his penis, without your consent or agreement.

Digital rape

People sometimes use the term ‘digital rape’ to describe penetration of the anus or vagina with someone’s finger(s). This can happen to anyone, and could be committed by both men and women.

In legal terms, this is classed as ‘assault by penetration’ but will be treated similarly to rape if taken to court.

Anal rape

If a man penetrates your anus with his penis without your consent, this is rape. Both men and women can be raped anally.

If someone penetrates your anus with another part of their body or object, this is called ‘assault by penetration’. This type of sexual assault can be committed by both men and women.

In the courts this will be treated very similarly to rape, with a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

It’s important to think about getting medical help as soon as possible, to check for sexually transmitted infections, injury or pregnancy.

Everyone reacts differently to these events. You might experience some of the emotions below, or you might feel nothing at all. Whatever you feel, your response is normal and we can help you cope.

You might:

• feel ashamed or even guilty about what happened
• feel depressed or suicidal
• have flashbacks
• have difficulty focusing or sleeping
• feel numb and in shock
• be tearful, angry or irritable.

These are all normal reactions and might last a long time.

It’s important to remember what happened is not your fault and you’re not alone. You can talk to us.

We don’t just help people who’ve recently been sexually assaulted or raped — we’re here to support both men and women weeks, months and years after the crime took place.

All of our services are confidential, free and available to anyone who’s experienced sexual assault or rape. We can give you emotional and practical support, regardless of whether you have told the police or anyone else about the assault.

• ISVAs (Independent Sexual Violence Advocates) are specially trained advisors available in some Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) or other voluntary organisations like Victim Support, to help people who have experienced sexual violence. Our ISVA services are staffed by specialist caseworkers and are supported by specialist volunteers. These workers will help you decide on what action you want to take and the support and help that feels right for you. ISVAs often support survivors through the criminal justice system, if you choose to report the crime, and co-ordinate health and support services.
• Our victims’ services work with anyone affected by crime. We’ll help you to decide on the range of support and help that might benefit you.

• had been drinking alcohol or taking drugs at the time
• are in a relationship with or know the person who attacked them
• have had a sexual relationship with that person before
• had been kissing or touching that person before the attack
• were with someone of the same sex (gay or lesbian relationship)
• didn’t say ‘no’ or didn’t fight back
• can’t really remember it properly.

If you’ve been raped, this is never your fault — no matter the circumstances.

The police will take reports of rape seriously, and you can contact Victim Support to discuss options and have support throughout the process.

You don’t have to report the crime to the police if you don’t want to, and we’ll be here to support you regardless of whether you choose to report.

If the rape or sexual assault happened recently (within 7 days), you can have a medical examination carried out at your nearest Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) to collect forensic evidence. You don’t have to have a forensic examination, however it can give useful evidence if you choose to report the crime to the police and the case goes to court.

If you’d like to have a forensic examination, try to keep the clothes you were wearing at the time and don’t wash them, and avoid showering if possible.

You can report a rape or sexual assault by calling 999 soon after the crime. Always call 999 if you feel you’re in danger.

If the rape or sexual assault happened a long time ago, you can still report this to the police by calling 101.

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 support worker at an organisation like Victim Support. Whoever you decide to talk to, remember you don’t have to face this alone.

Contact Victim Support for help.