Sexual assault

Sexual assault is any unwanted sexual behaviour or activity that makes a person feel uncomfortable, frightened or threatened. It is sexual activity that the person has not consented to. The term covers a broad range of behaviours, from sexual harassment to life-threatening rape.

Anyone can be sexually assaulted#

Many people think sexual assault is motivated by desire. In reality it is about power, entitlement, violence and a belief by the perpetrator that they can “get away with it”. Anyone can be affected, regardless of age, gender or background.

Victims are never to blame#

If you have been sexually assaulted, recently or in the past, you do not have to cope alone. Confidential crisis counselling and support services exist for people who have experienced sexual, domestic or family violence. Many offer help by phone, around the clock, and you can use them whether or not the assault was recent.

Support services and the police work in their own ways. Even if you do not want to report an assault to the police, you can still get support. You do not need to suffer in silence.

Support services provide a safe place for survivors to talk about their feelings in their own way and in their own time. They can explain your options for medical care, legal action and ongoing support, and aim to respond to every survivor with belief, respect and sensitivity.

Reporting to the police#

You can report a sexual assault to the police straight away, or at any time afterwards. In many places there is no time limit on reporting. Many police services have specially trained officers and guidelines for responding sensitively to people who report sexual assault.

If you decide to report, the police can give you information, choices, and access to support and advocacy throughout the process.

Getting a health check-up#

If you have been sexually assaulted or abused, it is a good idea to have a health check-up even if you decide not to report the assault. This is to treat any injuries and to check for sexually transmissible infections. If you do not want to talk about the assault, you can simply say you had unprotected sex.

If you think you could have become pregnant, you can ask about emergency contraception (sometimes called the “morning-after pill”), which is available from pharmacists and doctors.

Medical and forensic examination#

If you decide to report the assault, you may be asked whether you agree to a medical examination. This is done to collect forensic evidence that may help with the case. Physical evidence is sometimes the only undisputed fact presented in court.

If you agree to have an examination, it is recommended that, if possible, you do not shower, change clothes, eat, drink or go to the toilet beforehand, as this can preserve evidence.

The examination may include:

• A general examination, to look for and treat any injuries such as cuts or bruises. Photographs may be taken of injuries, but only with your consent.
• Keeping clothing for forensic testing.
• For women, a pelvic examination similar to a cervical screening test.
• Fluid samples, where swabs are taken and sent to a laboratory.

All of this is done only with your consent.

A hidden and under-reported crime#

Sexual assault is widely recognised as an under-reported crime. Many assaults are never reported, and only a small proportion of reports lead to prosecution or conviction. People are often more likely to report when the offender is a stranger, and less likely to report assaults by a current or former partner.

Research shows assaults go unreported for many reasons, including:

• Social attitudes that wrongly blame the person who was assaulted.
• Lack of faith in the police or justice system, and fear of not being believed.
• Fear of coping with the medical and legal procedures.
• Fear of reprisals, or not wanting family and friends to know.
• Humiliation and shame.

Emotional and physical impact#

The terror, pain and humiliation of a sexual assault can have serious short- and long-term consequences. The impact may affect every aspect of a survivor’s life, including emotional, mental and physical health, family and social relationships, study, career and housing.

Emotional effects may include:

• Post-traumatic stress responses, such as flashbacks and withdrawal from people or situations.
• Fear, including fear of the offender, and anxiety or depression.
• Feelings of guilt, self-blame and low self-esteem.
• Difficulty trusting others or with sexual relationships.

Supportive counselling can reduce the intensity of these effects.

Key points#

• Victims are never to blame for sexual assault; it is about power and control, not desire.
• You can get confidential support whether or not you report the assault to the police.
• A health check-up is recommended to treat injuries, check for infections and consider emergency contraception.
• A forensic medical examination is done only with your consent and can help preserve evidence.

Where to get help#