Any kind of sexual act should be consensual. This means both partners should agree to and be happy about it. If this doesn’t happen, then its not a relationship based on respect - it’s about the abuse of power.
What is sexual abuse?
It can be very difficult to talk about something that’s happening to you that makes you feel bad.
Sexual abuse happens when someone mistreats you in a sexual way. This can include doing anything sexual that you don’t feel comfortable doing, for example, forcing you to have any kind of sex even though you don’t want to or forcing you to watch pornography. This might be done to you by someone you know, someone you have just met, or even someone you love.
Some people use the words ‘coercion’ or ‘rape’ to describe some forms of sexual abuse. If someone has made you do anything you don’t feel comfortable doing, its important to speak about this with someone you can trust.
It’s not your fault if someone abuses you
Abusers often tell the person it’s their fault and not to tell anyone. If you are, or have been, sexually abused, assaulted or raped by anyone, it is a crime and the person who did it can be prosecuted.
Talk to someone you trust
Whether you are male or female, you are never too old to ask for help and support. Contact any of the agencies listed in the address book, Childline 0800 1111 or the Edinburgh Woman’s Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (0131 556 9347 or www.rapecrisisscotland.org.uk) or someone that you know you can trust. Remember you can talk to these agencies whether the abuse happened recently, is still happening or happened in the past.
Its still happening, what will happen if I talk about it?
It can be very difficult to talk about something that’s happening to you that makes you feel bad – especially if it is being done by someone you love or someone close to you. Childline 0800 1111 provide a confidential service which means you don’t have to give names or talk about anything you don’t want to. You can also ask them for advice about what you might be able to do to change things. You can phone them anytime, and as often as you like.
What does respect mean?
Feeling confident?
Need to talk?