What is Sexual Violence?
According to The World Health Organisation;
"Sexual violence is any sexual act, attempt to obtain a sexual act, or other act directed against a person’s sexuality using coercion, by any person regardless of their relationship to the victim, in any setting. It includes rape, defined as the physically forced or otherwise coerced penetration of the vulva or anus with a penis, other body part or object".
Rape Crisis Scotland helps us to develop our understanding on what Sexual Violence is further;
"Sexual violence can happen to anyone. Rape and sexual assault can happen to adults and children, it is never the fault of the person to whom it happens. Some survivors may have experienced an isolated attack, some may experience more than one attack in their life and others again may have lived with sexual violence over a long period of time.
Rape and sexual assault are serious crimes which happen when someone is made to take part in sexual acts to which they do not consent. The Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act came into effect on 1 Dec 2010 defining rape as: penetration without consent, of the vagina, anus or mouth, by a penis. The Act also sets out a crime of sexual assault by penetration, which involves penetration of the vagina or anus by any object, without consent.
Sexual assault is a broad term which applies to many forms of sexual violence ranging from unwanted touching or kissing to being forced to perform sexual acts. Sexual violence happens irrespective of age, race, religion, gender identity, class, sexuality, whether able bodied or disabled. No matter where you were, what you were doing, what you were wearing, if you were drunk or under influence of drugs, you did not deserve this. The responsibility always lies with the attacker, not you."
Preventing Sexual Violence
We are all bystanders. Every day we stand by and watch as situations unfold around us. Most of the time these situations do not require any intervention or for us to become involved. But when these situations feel unsafe or when it becomes clear that someone is at risk, we all make a choice about whether we intervene and try to bring a stop to what is happening or if we turn away and carry on with our day.
When we choose to ignore what is happening, or choose to not become involved, we are bystanders. When we choose to interrupt, distract, help, stop or report, we become active bystanders. And by becoming active bystanders we can help to keep each other safe and challenge harmful attitudes, language or behaviour that supports violence.
'Who are you?' is a video which explores the various points in which sexual violence could have been prevented if a bystander had intervened. Please be aware that this video contains depictions of sexual assault and alcohol consumption that could be upsetting or triggering.
Support for those who have experienced Sexual Violence
- Police Scotland - Police Scotland help to provide guidance on what to do if you feel you are in immediate danger. If you have been raped or sexually assaulted, you can report it to the Police at any time. In an emergency always dial 999, and for non-emergencies, dial 101.
- NHS Sexual Assault Response Co-ordination Service - SARCS is a dedicated NHS service which can offer healthcare and support in the days after an assault, if you are not ready to tell the police or are unsure. You can self-refer, meaning you don’t need a GP or other healthcare professional to refer you to SARCS.
- Grampian Sexual Health @ The Health Village - Your local sexual health clinic at Aberdeen Health Village have specialist medical and forensic services for anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted within the SARC (Sexual Assault Referral Centre) located there. They will be able to advise you on emergency contraception and testing for sexually transmitted infections.
- Rape Crisis Grampian - RCG offer support and information to anyone over 11 years old who has been raped or sexually abused at any time in their life.
- Scottish Women’s Rights Centre Advocacy Support Helpline - They can offer free and confidential legal advice and advocacy support for people who have been affected by violence and abuse in Scotland.
- AMINA - Muslim's Women's Resource Centre - Amina offer a helpline, workshops, advocacy, telephone befriending, and support with various issues, including GBV.
- Revenge Porn Helpline - A UK service supporting adults (aged 18+) who are experiencing intimate image abuse, also known as, revenge porn.
A Safe Space in Aberdeen
In January 2024, a new ‘Safe Space’ opened at Aberdeen Art Gallery, which provides help and support from specially trained staff, to people who are personally suffering or suspect someone may be living with domestic abuse. The new Safe Space at the Gallery will be staffed by people who have received additional training on mental health awareness and domestic abuse. It will be an area that can be used to seek help, or simply to reflect and remember.
Rape and Sexual Assault booklet provided by Rape Crisis Scotland (see attached)