Adult Sexual Abuse

What is Adults sexual abuse?

Adult Sexual Abuse: refers to any sexual activity committed against an adult without their free, informed, and voluntary consent, or where the adult lacks the capacity to consent, or is coerced, manipulated, exploited, or pressured into sexual activity.

Definition of Sexual abuse includes any of the following:

Rape, attempted rape, or sexual assault
Inappropriate touching anywhere on the body
Non‑consensual masturbation of either person
Non‑consensual sexual penetration (or attempted penetration) of the vagina, anus, or mouth
Any sexual activity to which the person lacks the capacity to consent
Inappropriate looking, sexual teasing, innuendo, or sexual harassment
Sexual photography, forced use of pornography, or witnessing of sexual acts
Indecent exposure

Some of the indicators for Adult sexual abuse can be

Bruising, particularly to the thighs, buttocks and upper arms and marks on the neck
Torn, stained or bloody underclothing
Bleeding, pain or itching in the genital area
Unusual difficulty in walking or sitting
Foreign bodies in genital or rectal openings
Infections, unexplained genital discharge, or sexually transmitted diseases
Pregnancy in a woman who is unable to consent to sexual intercourse
The uncharacteristic use of explicit sexual language or significant changes in sexual behaviour or attitude
Incontinence not related to any medical diagnosis
Self-harming
Poor concentration, withdrawal, sleep disturbance
Excessive fear/apprehension of, or withdrawal from, relationships
Fear of receiving help with personal care
Reluctance to be alone with a particular person

If a person is in immediate danger

Call 999

To Report a Concern in Slough

Call Adult Social Care on 01753 475111 and choose option 2.
Out of Hours: 01344 351999

Resources:

Thames Valley Police – Support after Rape or Sexual Assault

Provides clear guidance on:

Reporting options
How ISVAs support survivors
How to access SARCs without involving police
24/7 sexual abuse support line (0808 500 2222)

Support after rape and sexual assault | Thames Valley Police

Rape Crisis helpline – 0808 500 2222

Open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

Call to speak to a trained specialist, who can also tell you where your nearest services are located if you would like face-to-face support or counselling. www.rapecrisis.org.uk

Solace Thames Valley - Sexual Assault referral centre (SARC) Slough

Offer a free, confidential, 24/7 health care and compassionate support service to those who have experienced sexual assault including rape.

They offer: