Peer on Peer Abuse - Sexual Violence

Sexual violence is a general term used to describe any kind of unwanted sexual activity or activity, including rape, sexual assault by penetration and sexual assault.

Rape

Rape is often described as unwanted or forced 'sex' – or 'sex' that happened without consent. But, sex can only happen when everyone consents. Rape, on the other hand, is a form of sexual violence and is a serious crime. Rape happens when someone didn't want to have sex or didn't give their consent for sex to happen (scroll down for more on consent).

No-one ever deserves or asks for rape to happen. 100% of the blame lies with the perpetrator or perpetrators.

How rape is defined in law

The Sexual Offences Act 2003 says that someone commits rape if all the following happens:

• They intentionally penetrate the vagina, anus or mouth of another person with their penis.
• The other person does not consent to the penetration.
• They do not reasonably believe that the other person consents.

Rape Crisis England & Wales, 2022

Sexual Assault

Sexual assault happens when someone touches another person in a sexual manner – or makes that person take part in sexual activity with them – without consent.

Sexual Assault and the Law

The legal definition of sexual assault in England and Wales is when someone intentionally touches another person in a sexual manner, without that person’s consent.

The Sexual Offences Act 2003 says that someone commits sexual assault if all of the following happens:

• They intentionally touch another person.
• The touching is sexual.
• The other person does not consent to the touching.
• They do not reasonably believe that the other person consents.

The touching can be with any part of the body or with anything else.

It could include:

• Kissing.
• Attempted rape.
• Touching someone’s breasts or genitals – including through clothing.
• Touching any other part of the body for sexual pleasure or in a sexual manner – for example, stroking someone’s thigh or rubbing their back.
• Pressing up against another person for sexual pleasure.
• Pressuring, manipulating or scaring someone into performing a sexual act on the perpetrator.
• Touching someone’s clothing if done for sexual pleasure or in a sexual manner – for example, lifting someone’s skirt.

However, please know that this is not a full list. Just because something isn’t included here doesn’t mean it isn’t sexual assault.

 

Helpline for victims of sexual abuse in schools

Sexual abuse in any form is unacceptable.

A dedicated helpline is now open to support anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse.

The helpline is run by the NSPCC and will provide victims of abuse with the appropriate support, advice and onward action, including on contacting professionals or the police if they wish. The helpline will also provide support to parents and professionals too.

Telephone 0800 136 663, or email help@nspcc.org.uk.

More information can be found at https://dfemedia.blog.gov.uk/2021/04/01/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-governments-newly-launched-abuse-in-education-helpline/