The legal age of consent in the UK is 16.

What is classed as a sex offence?

Indecent assault

When someone (this can be male or female) is forced to carry out sexual acts against their will.

Rape

Rape is when one person forces another to have sex against their will.

Although it is more common for a female to be raped, men can also be victims.

The law states you have to have consent from the other person to have sex. If the other person says 'No', is asleep or is too drunk to give consent, this will constitute a rape. The consent rule also applies if you are in a relationship or are married.

Attempt rape

When one person tries to force another to have sex against their will but for whatever reason fails to have full intercourse.

Gross indecency

When someone tries to get a child who is under the age of 14 to carry out or perform a sexual act.

Indecent exposure

This is when someone intentionally exposes their genitalia to shock or insult someone. Accidental exposure is not a criminal offence.

Abuse of a position of trust

It is a criminal offence for someone in a position of trust to have any kind of sexual relationship with someone under the age of 18. So this would include teachers at school, perhaps a piano teacher or karate teacher, a private tutor, youth leader or scout/guide leader.

Help and support

If you have been raped or sexually assaulted you should report it to the police straight away either by using the emergency 999 number or by calling 0845 456 7000.

The police, who are highly trained in dealing with cases of rape and sexual assault, will arrange for you to visit a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC). The SARC in Avon and Somerset is called The Bridge and is located in Bristol. The doctors and nurses at The Bridge will conduct a forensic medical examination (with your consent), treat any injuries you may have and gather together any evidence that may help the police with their investigation, eg. items of clothing you may have been wearing that could contain traces of the person who attacked you.

The Bridge also provides counselling and support both during and after your visit to the centre.

Being a victim of rape or sexual assault is incredibly distressing and you may find it helpful to talk to someone about what happened or what will happen during a criminal investigation. You may find the contacts below helpful:

The Bridge

www.turntothebridge.org

Victim Support - 0845 30 30 900

www.victimsupport.org

Help and advice for male victims - 0845 122 1201

www.survivorsuk.org

Help and advice for female victims

www.rapecrisis.org.uk

Information about going to court

www.cjsonline.gov.uk

Victims and Witnesses