What is it?
A sexual assault is any sexual act that a person did not consent to, or is forced into against their will. It is a form of sexual violence and includes rape (an assault involving penetration of the vagina, anus or mouth), or other sexual offences, such as groping, forced kissing, child sexual abuse or the torture of a person in a sexual manner.
Sexual assault is an act that is carried out without the victim’s consent. This means they didn’t agree to it.
It is not uncommon for a victim of sexual assault to have no physical injuries or signs of their assault.
Sexual Assault Referral Centre
Sexual assault referral centres are independent medical centres not linked to police. They offer a private, safe, discrete and caring environment designed for all survivors of sexual assault – including men, women and children. These centres offer medical, practical and emotional support to anyone who has been sexually assaulted or raped. They have specially trained doctors or nurses to care for you and make onward referrals for therapy/counselling and other support services. If you’re considering reporting the assault to the police, they can refer you to an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) who can explain your options and what is involved in reporting to the police. The ISVA can offer ongoing support after you’ve reported but you do not have to report to the police to access support from an ISVA.
Rape Myths
Rape myths are a set of stereotypes and misunderstandings present in society about the crime of rape. Rape myths are present for all aspects of rape- what rape is, who perpetrates rape, and who is a victim of rape. These myths are harmful and promote misunderstanding, victim-blaming and undermine a victim’s confidence to report the crime. Some common rape myths are outlined and challenged below. A more comprehensive list of rape myths, the damaging effects of them, and why they are simply untrue, is available on the Crown Prosecution Service Website.
Examples of rape myths include misconceptions that rape is influenced by the way someone dresses, their sexual activity in other circumstances, their sexuality, their cultural background or any other socio-economic factors. It is also often not understood that victims displaying signs of sexual arousal during a rape does not affect that it is a crime as people may still biologically respond to stimuli even if traumatic and unwanted. None of these things are consent and these types of myths discourage some victims from reporting, and also perpetuate a culture of victim-blaming. Crucially, only the perpetrator is responsible for a rape, and NOT the victim.
Other misconceptions include that rape is always a violent and forceful attack by a stranger, when in reality rape can be perpetrated by someone the victim knows in a place that feels safe, and can be done without physical force through coercion. As a result, the victim may not always display physical evidence of rape on their body. Victims will not always be able to recall a perfect and consistent account of the crime, because of the trauma and shock experienced. This does not mean the account is untrue.
How to report it?
There are no excuses for rape or sexual assault. Whether you are in a relationship with the person or they are a stranger, being forced to have sex or do something sexual against your will is a crime. You can report any incident, whether it is something that has just happened, or something less recent. Call 999 if you’re in immediate danger or the offence has just happened. Otherwise, you can call 101 or visit your nearest police station. Derbyshire Constabulary have created a serious sexual assault reporting timeline to outline the key stages of the reporting process and to answer some frequently asked questions about the process. The timeline also lists a series of support services that can be accessed in Derbyshire.
Commissioned Provider
The Police and Crime Commissioner funds organisations that provide support services for victims and witnesses in Derbyshire. These are free of charge and are available to anyone who lives in Derbyshire. For Rape and Sexual Assault these support services are provided by SV2.
SV2
SV2 (Supporting Victims of Sexual Violence) offers a wide range of support for both recent and historical victims of sexual violence which include counselling, therapy and Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs). SV2 supports all genders from any age and all its services are available to adults and children in Derbyshire. To discuss your options call SV2’s advice line – 01773 746115
Below are other organisations that may be able to provide advice and support:
Derbyshire Constabulary Sexual Assault Support
The following link provides information about support and help available following a sexual assault
www.derbyshire.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/…
SAIL Derbyshire
SAIL is a registered charity, established in 1992, based in Chesterfield. We offer free, specialist counselling, drama therapy, art therapy and other complementary therapies for adults aged 18 and over in Derbyshire who has experienced childhood sexual abuse, incest or sexual violence. We have peer groups and a move-on group for those who have completed counselling.
Sail counselling is delivered in locations across the County, service users do not have to travel to Chesterfield to access this. Call our free helpline for support. Open 10am to 2pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays 4pm – 8pm and Thursdays 10am – 4pm