Nobody has the right to make you do anything sexual that you don’t want to do. If someone is forcing you to do something of a sexual nature, or putting pressure on you to do something you’re not comfortable with, this is sexual abuse.
Sexual abuse or sexual violence are the terms used to describe any act of a sexual nature that you are forced or coerced into, that upsets you, that you are not comfortable with or that physically hurts you. Some examples of sexual abuse or violence include:
- Rape - includes rape within a marriage or a relationship.
- Being forced to engage in sexual activity against your will.
- Being touched against your wishes in an inappropriate sexual way.
- Being forced to have sex with another person or with more than one person.
- Being forced to engage in sexual activity whilst being filmed or being watched.
- Being forced to watch pornography.
- Being called derogatory or sexually explicit names.
- Having objects used on your body or inserted inside your body against your wishes.
- Withholding affection or sex.
Read more about consent and sexual violence and abuse.
For support and advice contact Devon Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Services or the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) or check out the Directory for other services.
