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SASH offices will be closed from 23rd Dec to 5th Jan 2026. All referrals will go into our waitlist and processed on our return. For anything urgent, please phone 111. In addition 'Safe to talk' are on 0800 044 334 or free text on 4334

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Providing support since 1984

What is Sexual Abuse/Assault?

Sexual assault or abuse is when someone makes you do something sexual when you don’t want to. Some examples of sexual assault or abuse are:

  • Unwanted kissing or touching
  • Unwanted rough or violent sexual activity
  • Someone putting their fingers, their penis or other objects into your body
  • Refusing to use a condom or restricting someone’s access to contraception
  • Keeping someone from protecting themselves from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
  • Sexual contact with someone who is very drunk, drugged, unconscious or otherwise unable to give a clear and informed “yes” or “no”
  • Threatening someone into unwanted sexual activity
  • Repeatedly pressuring someone to have sex or perform sexual acts
  • Repeatedly using sexual insults toward someone
  • Someone showing you pictures of people having sex, someone showing you their body or making you show them your body

It is irrelevant if the accused is a stranger, acquaintance, spouse, or friend. Sexual contact or behaviour that happens when you don’t’ want it is NEVER okay!