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Sexual abuse

What is sexual abuse

There are many different forms of abuse, and they all result in behaviour towards a person or themselves that deliberately or intentionally cause harm. Sexual abuse is any contact or non-contact sexual activity that happens without consent or understanding, or with forced consent.

For sex to be consensual, consent must be actively sought and actively given. Where this isn’t the case, a sexual assault has occurred. Sexual abuse also includes being guilt-tripped or coerced into a sexual activity. Sexual abuse is a violation of an individual’s human and civil rights and in the worst case can result in death.

Sexual abuse could be any of the following:

sexual violence, such as rape, date rape, attempted rape, groping or forced kissing
indecent exposure
sexual harassment
inappropriate looking or touching
voyeurism
stalking
grooming
sexual teasing or innuendo
involvement in pornography without consent
image-based sexual abuse (known as “Revenge Porn”)
sexual photography
subjection to pornography or witnessing sexual acts without consent
sexual acts in which the adult has not truly consented or wsa pressured into

Signs and symptoms of sexual abuse

a change in behaviour which is unexpected or unexplained sudden onset of confusion
incontinence
withdrawal
overtly sexual behaviour/language by the adult at risk of harm
self-inflicted injury
disturbed sleep pattern/poor concentration/loss of sleep
difficulty in walking
torn, stained underwear
love bites
soreness or itching, bruising or bleeding in the genital area
sexually transmitted disease/urinary tract/vaginal infection
bruising to upper thighs and arms
frequent infection
severe upset or agitation when being bathed etc
pregnancy in a person unable to consent.
Unexplained bruising
torn, stained or bloody underwear
a preoccupation with anything sexual
sexually transmitted diseases
pregnancy

If you think about any sexual behaviour that would make you feel uncomfortable, afraid or intimidated, it could fall in the category of sexual abuse.

Any sexual behaviour that makes a person feel uncomfortable, afraid or intimidated could fall into the category of sexual abuse. If sexual abuse is happening in exchange for something, for example affection, food, drugs, shelter, protection or money it is considered sexual exploitation.

Victims of sexual abuse, like the case studies below can benefit greatly from specialist, person-centred support that helps them feel heard, believed, and empowered to make informed choices.

Case Study - Mark

Mark (not his real name), aged 25, was sexually assaulted by a female acquaintance he met through a dating website. Although he did not wish to report the incident to the police, he self-referred to the IDAS Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (ISVA) service for support.

Mark explained that while he consented to initial sexual contact, he clearly communicated that he did not want further sexual activity. His wishes were ignored and he was assaulted. Following the incident, he struggled with feelings of shame and self-blame, compounded by friends dismissing his experience and making jokes about it.

With Mark’s consent, IDAS arranged immediate support, including:

An appointment with YorSexualHealth
Communication with his GP
A referral for counselling
Information about the Headspace wellbeing app

Through specialist support, Mark was able to process his experience, improve his wellbeing, and rebuild his confidence. He is now in a supportive relationship and says he never thought he would reach this point. He remains grateful for the help he received and wants others to know that men can be victims of sexual violence and that support is available.

Case Study - Sarah

Sarah (not her real name), aged 35, was referred to the IDAS Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (ISVA) service after reporting childhood sexual abuse by a family member.

Sarah had lived with the impact of the abuse for many years, experiencing poor mental health, self-harm, and alcohol misuse. Unsure if she would be believed, she found the criminal justice process overwhelming and difficult to engage with.

Through trauma-informed support from her ISVA, Sarah received counselling, emotional support, confidence-building work, and guidance throughout the police investigation and court process. She was supported in ways that met her individual needs, helping her build trust and remain engaged.

Following a lengthy investigation, the perpetrator was convicted and received a substantial prison sentence. Sarah said the support she received was vital in helping her continue with the case and begin her recovery journey.

Useful links

Acer House Sexual Assault Referral Centre

Acer House offer free, confidential healthcare and compassionate support to anyone in York and North Yorkshire that has experienced sexual assault or rape in their lifetime. 0330 223 0099

Phoneline: 0330 223 0099

Please see their website: Acer House Sexual Referral Centre

Rape Crisis

Rape Crisis England and Wales are a fcharity working to end child sexual abuse, rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment and all other forms of sexual violence.

National Freephone Tel: 0808 802 999

Please see their website: Rape Crisis

IDAs

IDAS is a specialist charity in Yorkshire supporting people affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence.

Phone line: 03000 110 110

Please see their website: IDAs