Rape Crisis Scotland helpline (5pm-midnight)

What Is Sexual Violence?

Sexual violence takes many forms. These include: rape, sexual assault, unwanted touching, fondling, sexual harassment, threats of violence, pressurised sex, flashing, penetration by objects and childhood sexual abuse. Sexual violence is any kind of unwanted sexual behaviour. It is an abuse of power and a form of control which causes humiliation, pain, fear and intimidation.

Most forms of sexual violence are criminal offences in Scotland, and all of them have a significant and harmful impact which can be just as distressing as rape itself.

Instances of sexual violence occur more commonly than is realised; and as many as 1 in 4 women are estimated to experience sexual violence at some point during their lives.

Rape and sexual abuse changes lives – and so do we. As a charity we're very grateful to receive your support, which helps us to continue to provide our vital work. Donations go directly towards the costs of delivering all our support and information services.

You can also support our work by:

>> Believing someone who discloses sexual violence to you
>> Supporting them to make their own choices about what they want to do
>> Challenging abusive and sexist behaviour