Sexual violence and abuse

People who experience sexual violence or abuse

Sexual violence and abuse can affect you whatever your:

• age
• race
• gender
• sexuality

The abuser is committing a crime if they’re sexually violent or abusive to you. 

Recognising sexual behaviour that’s violent or abusive

You’re experiencing sexual violence or abuse if someone forces, controls or exploits you into sexual behaviour. The abuser could be:

• a stranger
• your partner
• someone you know
• a family member

The abuser might be someone you know online but haven’t met in person. To read more about different types and abusive behaviour, go to:

• Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy

Rape

Rape is penetrative sex with another person against their will. The penetration could be:

• vaginal
• anal
• oral

Sexual assault

Sexual assault is other unwanted sexual contact or behaviour including:

• touching
• kissing

Sexual behaviour when your drink is spiked

Rape and sexual assault can happen if someone gives you alcohol, drugs or both without you knowing. They can add alcohol or drugs to your drink. It’s known as having your drink ‘spiked’.

A spiked drink can cause memory loss and sudden drowsiness. You might not be awake to consent to sexual behaviour or remember exactly what happened to you.  

Staying safe when socialising

To stay safe when you're socialising:

• don’t accept a drink from someone you don’t know
• don’t leave your drink where you can’t see it

To read more about alcohol, go to:

• Alcohol

Getting help after rape or sexual assault

If you’re the victim of rape or sexual assault, you can get support and advice. You might want to report the crime to the police.

For more information, go to:

• Getting help after sexual violence

More useful links

• Domestic and Sexual abuse helpline
• Nexus NI
• Women's Aid Federation Northern Ireland
• Men's Advisory Project