Sexual abuse and exploitation

Sexual abuse and exploitation is a serious crime. If you or someone you know has been sexually abused and exploited, please reach out for help. There are many resources available to support you. Find out more here.

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. Sex without your consent is rape.

Consent cannot be assumed.

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 OK 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.

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

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