What is it?
Any sexual activity that is unwanted and not consented to, is a sexual offence. This includes touching, penetration, being forced to make or watch images or even being spoken to in a sexual way.
Being pressured or forced to have sex or take part in sexual activity when you don’t want to is a crime. Whatever the situation – whatever your relationship with the person, wherever you were, whatever you were wearing or whatever you were drinking or taking – you did not ask to be raped or sexually assaulted and it wasn’t your fault.
Forcing someone to take part in sexual activity against their will is about power, control and violence. It has nothing to do with sexual desire, love or passion. All sex without consent is rape.
If you’ve been raped or sexually assaulted, no matter what the circumstances or who was involved, remember that it wasn’t your fault.
How to get help
If you are in immediate danger call the police by dialling 999. If you would like to speak to a police officer but it isn’t urgent then you can call 101.
Your Victim Focus Officer can support you and help you access specialist help. Click here to find out about your local Victim Focus Team and how to contact them.
If you would like to contact a specialist service directly here is some information on what they are and who provides those services in South Wales
SARC
A Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) can provide you with services if you have been a victim of rape or sexual assault regardless of whether you have or intend to report the offence to the police. The centres have specialist staff that are trained to help you make informed decisions about what you want to do next.
Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA)
An ISVA’s main role is to provide practical and emotional support and information to survivors who have reported to the police or are considering reporting to the police. An ISVA is trained to work with survivors of rape and sexual abuse. They will help you understand how the criminal justice process works.
If you do choose to report to the police, your ISVA will work with other partners and agencies to try and keep you informed throughout the criminal justice process, help you to make decisions and accompanying you to important appointments and court.
If you have not reported to the police but want to consider your options and want more information, an ISVA might be able to help you.
Counselling
You may feel that you would like some therapy or counselling to help you manage the trauma of the rape or sexual abuse you have experienced, to find some closure or to develop some positive coping strategies. The agencies listed here specialise in counselling for victims and survivors of rape and sexual abuse.
- New Pathways
New Pathways provides a range of specialist services including Sexual Assault Referral Centre’s, counselling and advocacy services for women, men, children and young people who have been affected by rape or sexual abuse. New Pathways has offices across South Wales which provide services to all seven local authorities. You can contact them on: 01685 379 310 or visit their website to learn more about their services. www.newpathways.org.uk
- Cardiff and the Vale Sexual Assault Referral Centre/ Ynys Saff
Cardiff SARC is a sexual assault referral centre where a range of specially trained, experienced professionals give help, support and advice to men, women, children and young people, following sexual assault in Cardiff and the Vale.
You can speak to a member of Cardiff SARC on: 029 2033 5795