Sexual Assault

Sexual assault describes a broad range of sexual crimes. Sexual assault can involve any kind of unwanted sexual act.

It occurs when one person has not given or was not able to give consent to sexual acts. It can also occur when a person uses emotional or physical violence to force someone to engage in sexual acts.

Sexual acts can involve:

• a penis touching or penetrating a vagina, anus or mouth
• an object or another part of the body coming into contact with or penetrating the vagina or anus
• touching a person in a sexual way, such as touching another person's vagina, penis, anus or breasts.

You always have the right to say NO to sexual acts. You also have the right to change your mind about sexual acts at any time.

It's important to remember that it's not your fault if another person pressures you to do something against your will, tricks you or is violent towards you.

If you have been sexually assaulted, tell a parent, teacher, counsellor, school nurse or other trusted adult. You can also contact the Sexual Assault Resource Centre on (08) 6458 1828 or free call on 1800 199 888.

Date rape is when someone you have agreed to spend time with makes you have sex when you don't want to. It happens when someone doesn't respect your wishes, or thinks that 'no' really means 'yes' and forces you to do something you don't want to do.

Sometimes it can be difficult to argue or resist. You may feel that you have no choice and that it's safer to go along with what the other person wants.

Sometimes it's hard to know what date rape is as it can happen with someone you know and are close to.But no matter who the person is, sex against your will is sexual assault.

If you are concerned you can also contact the Sexual Assault Resource Centre (external site) on (08) 6458 1828 or free call on 1800 199 888.