Sex and the Law (Sexual Assault and Abuse)

The main points

  • Sexual Assault is any unwanted sexual attention or activity that makes a person feel threatened, uncomfortable or violated.
  • It happens without consent or with consent gained through force, pressure, coercion, bullying or harassment.
  • Sexual assault can happen to men and women of all ages and appearances, from all walks of life.

What is sexual assault?

Sexual assault isn't just rape. It's any unwanted sexual attention or activity that makes a person feel threatened, uncomfortable or violated. It happens without consent or with consent gained through force, pressure, coercion, bullying or harassment. It can happen when a person isn't able to consent (e.g. when they've had too much to drink or taken drugs).

Sexual assault can happen to men and women of all ages and appearances, from all walks of life.

The feelings of a person who has been sexually assaulted vary. They can include fear, grief, anger and shame and many feel they are to blame. These feelings can last for years and can go away and come back at different times in the person's life.

What if it happens to me?

If it happens to you, you need to get help. Contact the Centre Against Sexual Assault (CASA) 24 hour hotline on T/ 1800 806 292.

There is a CASA for every area of Victoria. Their services are free and confidential and they will give you expert advice about what to do.

You can also see your doctor or go to one of our clinics. We offer emergency contraception and testing for sexually transmissible infections and can refer you to counselling support services.

Where to get more information, support or advice

Disclaimer

This website provides general information only. The suitability of such general information varies from person to person, depending on individual circumstances. You should seek specific medical or legal advice for your individual circumstances.

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The copyright for material on this website is owned by Sexual Health Victoria (or, in some cases, by third parties) and is subject to the Copyright Act 1968. We permit you to reproduce or communicate our copyright material if you are a not-for-profit educational organisation, for the purpose of providing the information to your students provided that you include any disclaimers associated with that material. Any other reproduction or communication of our material requires our prior consent, via our consent form which you can complete and submit.

Last updated: 5 June 2016

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