Sometimes it can be hard to make sense of what has happened. But knowing what the law says about rape and sexual assault may help you to understand.
It may also help you to decide what to do next.
What does the law say?
- Rape and sexual assault can happen to anyone – regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, or ethnicity.
- Rape is when someone puts their penis into (penetrates) the vagina, anus, or mouth of another person without their consent.
- Assault by penetration is when someone puts another part of their body – or an object – into another person’s vagina or anus without that person’s consent.
- Sexual assault is when someone touches another person in a sexual way, without that person’s consent.
Remember: if it isn’t your choice, you haven’t given consent.