FAQs

Good question, as people often get these confused. To be clear, groping particular body parts on a dance floor is an example of sexual assault and sending an unwanted sexual image is sexual harassment. Specifically,

Sexual assault is when a person is coerced or physically forced to engage against their will, or when a person, male or female, touches another person sexually without their consent. Touching can be done with any part of the body or with an object. Sexual penetration is when a person (male or female) penetrates the vagina or anus of another person with any part of their body or an object without that person’s consent. This can include touching someone on the buttocks, breasts or genitals without the other person’s consent.

Sexual harassment: Sexual harassment is a form of unlawful discrimination under the Equality Act 2010. The law defines sexual harassment if the person’s (people) behaviour violating your dignity, or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment. Sexual comments or jokes; including unwelcome sexual advances, sharing sexual images, texts or videos. Rape jokes are a form of sexual harassment as well.

This is called Revenge Porn. Please Practice Discretion when sharing anything private online. Otherwise, if you send sexual images, texts or videos, you could suffer embarrassment, humiliation or other mental health challenges. First, what is Revenge Porn?

Across England, Wales and Scotland, revenge porn is a specific criminal offence. It’s described as “the sharing of private, sexual materials, either photos or videos, of another person without their consent and with the purpose of causing embarrassment or distress”. The offence covers photos or videos showing people engaged in sexual activity which would not usually be done in public, or with their genitals, buttocks or breasts exposed or covered only with underwear. In England and Wales, the maximum punishment is two years in prison – in Scotland, it’s five years.

Q: Now, What Can You Do?

A: According to the Revenge Porn Hotline, anyone a victim of this crime should do the following:

• Keep Evidence. Take screenshots of images/videos & where they have been shared
• Report the material immediately to the website (s) where you have found the revenge porn. Social Media platforms will remove it quickly, as will most adult websites like Pornhub & XVideos. Revenge Porn websites can be more difficult. There is a Right to Be Forgotten clause, which disables Google & other search engines from allowing anyone to search this material from their search results You may need a lawyer to help you.
• Tell Friends and Family. If they are told before someone shows them, they are more likely to respond sensitively.
• Don’t Panic & Consider Your Next Step. Report the incident to the police, and remember, it is a crime.

REVENGE PORN HOTLINE: 0345 6000 459 or Email: help@revengepornhelpline.org.uk

It is a tough one to respond to with precision as these things are subjective and depend on the person. We know that 15-16year-old girls spend on average 14.5 hours a week online, while their male counterparts spend up to 12 hours a week (*RAP Project Survey 2016), Numerous studies find that social media can have a negative influence on self-esteem and body image.

The Royal Society for Public Health says young people spending more than three hours a day using Social Media are TWICE as likely to display symptoms of poor mental health.

So, tune in. Do you feel depressed, deflated after logging on? Do you spend valuable time on social media rather than study? Listen to worthwhile podcasts? Read books? We definitely suggest Digital Detoxing as a regular habit, be it after dinner, the weekend, etc.

The age of consent in the UK is 16. It is not illegal for someone to have sex with you no matter how old they are. This is true only as long as you give your consent and as long as they are not in a position of power over you, such as your teacher, football coach, etc

Yes, your friend is correct. Technically, anyone under the age of 18 sending a naked image of yourself in a text, or on social media, when you’re below the age of 18 is illegal. The law doesn’t make any exception for young people creating, possessing or sharing such material themselves. It counts as an offence of distributing an indecent image of a child and meets the legal definition of child pornography.

The RAP Foundation promotes Practicing Discretion on and off-line. Don’t overshare, keep things private. And remember, once you send a compromising image, video or text that shows breasts, buttocks, genitals, you cannot retrieve it with a 100% guarantee.

Don’t worry! Young people are sometimes confused about their sexuality, their asexuality, bisexuality etc. We have huge admiration for Stonewall, an organisation that has a long history of supporting people confused by their orientation. Coming Out!, an online guide provides many answers to some of the questions you may want to ask. Visit www.youngstonewall.org.uk for more info!

Unfortunately, we have heard this story before. Being a supportive friend is the most important thing you can do right now. We understand you may want to seek justice & call the police, but it is not your call to make. You may be very angry if he or she is unwilling to report the assault. Put your feelings aside &t listen to what the person has to say, ask how they are feeling.

Suggest they visit a SARC, or Sexual Assault Referral Centre for support. The counsellors assist the victim & make no obligation for the rape to be reported to the police.

This is again a subjective question. But, we think we can answer this best by asking people who are concerned about their porn consumption with these questions:

1. Do you watch porn in inappropriate places? On the tube? In the car?
2. Do you ever feel shame about watching porn?
3. Are you experiencing sexual dysfunction in real life situations?
4. Is it difficult for you to become aroused with your partner?
5. Do you use porn to relax, de-stress?

If you answered Yes to any of the above, you may need to reduce your viewing time. Porn is highly addictive, & each time you orgasm you brain releases dopamine & you want more. If you are concerned, take this online quiz  & seek advice from the NHS. There is help out there! You can also reduce your habit gradually, until you have it under control. But seek help if you need it. Porn can heavily impact relationships & mental health.

We highly recommend this Ted Talk!

Sometimes people don’t read signals clearly. We advise you take her to the side, speak to her alone & explain that you do not want her to send you any sexual images or other sexts, & that you do aren’t interested in her romantically or otherwise. IF she persists, speak to your school counsellor or a teacher you trust.

Sexual harassment is not acceptable, & everyone needs to be informed of what it looks like.

If you did not consent to having sex with him, then Yes, it is Rape. Alcohol affects the ability to communicate, & people are more willing to disregard messages if they are under the 9influence of drugs or alcohol. Under no circumstances can someone have sex with another person if they are passed out. Because, if they are passed out, the person cannot Consent. There are no grey areas here. We advise you speak to a Rape Crisis counsellor, a school counsellor or an adult you trust. You will need support & guidance from professionals to deal with this assault.

In England & Wales, sexual harassment is defined when someone creates an environment of a sexual nature which makes another person (persons) feel uncomfortable. This could be the result of a rape joke or hitting on someone on the dance floor. If you can self-identify yourself as someone who is stepping over the line, you should stop immediately. You should then take the person (persons) aside & own your actions & apologise. Educate yourself on Sexual Harassment, educate your peers, & act in a kind, responsible, respectful manner.