What is Sexual Violence?

Sexual violence occurs when a person or group of persons forces or manipulates someone else into unwanted sexual activity without their consent. Sexual Violence could be manifested in forms like rape, sexual assault harassment and/or exploitation.

What is child sexual abuse?

Child sexual abuse occurs when an adult or older child forces or persuades a child to take part in sexual activities. This does not have to be physical contact, and it can happen online.

What is rape?

Rape is an unlawful sexual intercourse or any other sexual penetration of the vagina, anus, or mouth of another person, with or without force, by a sex organ, other body part, or foreign object, without the consent of the victim.

What to do if you have been raped?

Know that what happened to you is a crime and is not your fault and that you have several options including legal, medical, counseling/therapy, support group and other healing options. 

What should you do if your child has been sexually abused?

A number of children who are sexually abused do not tell anyone about it and it is incredibly difficult to know that someone you love has been hurt in such a way. If your child has been sexually abused, kindly take the steps listed here.

Can I get help on Rape is a Crime?

Rape is a Crime assists men, women and children of all ages access the care and support they require in an event of sexual violence. This is done by directing you to a service provider closest to you. We also operate a 24-hour hotline and online helpdesk to answer any of your questions and concerns. Our physical support volunteers are also available to help you through every step of your recovery process, should you require one.

Am I kept anonymous?

Services offered by Rape is a Crime are confidential. This means that your case is not told to anyone without your consent. Your privacy is very important to us.

I was raped, but I don’t want to talk to the Police. Do I have to report it?

It is completely up to you whether or not to report a rape or sexual assault. However, if you want to end the cycle of violence and ensure that it does not happen to anyone else, then you should consider reporting the crime to the police – the sooner the better.

What can I do to protect myself against sexual violence?

While we recommend that you take security precautions when you can, we want you to realize that the only person truly able to prevent sexual assault is the perpetrator. You also need to speak out against perceived threats within your environment. Therefore, it is important to believe survivors which would help create a culture in which sexual violence is not tolerated and reports of sexual violence are taken seriously.

What constitutes consent?

Consent is a clear and conscious decision given by a person. It is voluntary and can be revoked. Consent cannot be assumed or obtained through coercion, manipulation, force or while under the influence of drugs including alcohol. A person under the age of 13, cannot give consent for any sexual activity, however, regardless of age, any sexual act or experience without consent is sexual violence.