Recognising sexual behaviour that’s violent or abusive

You’re experiencing sexual violence or abuse if someone forces, controls or exploits you into sexual
behaviour. The abuser could be:

a stranger

your partner

someone you know

a family member

The abuser might be someone you know online but haven’t met in person. To read more about different
types and abusive behaviour, go to:

Stopping Domestic and Sexual Violence and Abuse Strategy(external link opens in a new window / tab)

Rape

Rape is penetrative sex with another person against their will. The penetration could be:

vaginal

anal

oral

Sexual assault

Sexual assault is other unwanted sexual contact or behaviour including

touching

kissing

Sexual behaviour when your drink is spiked

Rape and sexual assault can happen if someone gives you alcohol, drugs or both without you knowing.
They can add alcohol or drugs to your drink. It’s known as having your drink ‘spiked’.

A spiked drink can cause memory loss and sudden drowsiness. You might not be awake to consent to
sexual behaviour or remember exactly what happened to you.
Staying safe when socialising

To stay safe when you're socialising:

don’t accept a drink from someone you don’t know

don’t leave your drink where you can’t see it

To read more about alcohol, go to:

Alcohol

Getting help after rape or sexual assault

If you’re the victim of rape or sexual assault, you can get support and advice. You might want to report
the crime to the police