Sexual and indecent assault

Indecent Assault

It is an offence to touch or threaten a person in an indecent way. Groping and unwanted fondling can come into this category. Indecent assault carries a punishment of up to two years imprisonment, and if it is against a girl under thirteen, up to five years.

Rape

Any person, male or female, over the age of 10 who has intercourse with someone who doesn't want them to, and who knows that this person is not consenting or takes no care as to whether she or he does, commits the crime of rape. It's also an offence to threaten or force a person to have sex against their will, or to give them drugs in the hope that she or he will give in. If somebody helps a rapist to find a victim, or assists in a rape (by holding the victim down or drugging them, for instance) they will also be charged with rape.

Going out with someone is not a free invitation to have sexual intercourse with them. Forcing another person to have sex is rape, and it's no defence for the man to say he was drunk. It's also rape if the victim was too out of it through alcohol or other drugs to know what they were doing.

What if you're raped?

  • Every unwelcome advance is a painful experience. Although you may not want to tell anyone, all police stations now have women and male officers who have been trained to deal with victims of sexual offences in a sensitive way. These officers will carefully explain everything to you step by step and will help you even if you do not want things to go to court.
  • You can also ask to be examined by a female doctor, and you can take along your parents or a friend.
  • The police will be able to gather evidence more easily if you report the rape or assault as soon as possible. Reporting the crime early also makes your evidence more believable in Court.
  • Once you tell the police that a man has raped or sexually assaulted you, or he has been charged with rape or sexual assault, you have a right in law to remain anonymous. Neither your name and address nor your picture can appear in a paper or on radio or TV. Attempted rape is dealt with in the same way.
  • Help is also available from your local Rape Crisis Centre, who will talk to any girl or woman who has suffered an unpleasant sexual experience. To find your nearest centre phone 0115 900 3560, www.rapecrisis.co.uk or email info@rapecrisis.co.uk

Male victims of rape are treated in law in the same way as female victims. SURVIVORS offer an advice service for men who have been raped. Call 0845 1221201 on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 7-10pm for confidential help. www.survivorsuk.org.uk

If you are accused of rape

Immediately contact a solicitor. Rape is a serious crime, and the punishment is almost always a long period of imprisonment.

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