Sexual violence

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WHAT IS SEXUAL VIOLENCE?

Sexual violence is any unwanted sexual act or activity. There are many different kinds, including: rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment.

Rape & consent:

Rape is one type of sexual violence. Sexual violence is the general term we use to describe any kind of unwanted sexual act or activity.
Legal definition of rape: 'Penetration with a penis of the vagina, anus or mouth of another person without their consent' (Rapecrisis.org.uk).
Most people know the person who rapes them in some way before it happens. Rapists can be partners, friends, spouses, colleagues, family members. The victim might be on a date with them, or have been on lots of dates together. They might have had consensual sex with them in the past.

Sexual Assault:

Sexual or indecent assault is any physical, psychological and emotional violation in the form of a sexual act, inflicted on someone without their consent.

Sexual harassment:

Sexual harassment is any unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature that makes you feel distressed, intimidated or humiliated. It can take lots of different forms. It can include or be called sexualised bullying.

SIGNS TO SPOT

A person looking distressed/frightened/withdrawn
Guests who refuse personal details or ID on check-in. May insist on paying cash.
A person who refuses to engage or answer questions, avoiding eye contact
A person who appears to be heavily intoxicated, unable to talk or walk unaided, may be unsure of their whereabouts.
Complaints from fellow guests of a disturbance or excessive noise from a room.
Physical injuries (bruises, cuts, bleeding etc).

ACTION TO TAKE

Allocate a staff member to stay with the victim in a private area. Always believe the victim - Listen, reassure and try not to judge.
Act quickly and confidently – but do not put yourself at risk
Call 999 for police and ambulance (if person is injured)
Assign a staff member to meet with police/LAS on their arrival.
Secure the area where the assault is believed to have taken place – keep everything and try not to touch or move anything
If you have to move something then please take a photo/keep notes of actions
If suspect is still present, try and encourage them to stay in location until police arrival – but do not put yourself at risk. Should they leave, make notes of any details known including appearance, dress, distinguishing features, vehicle driven etc
If a victim refuses to remain, make a written record with as much detail as possible including what was said, what was heard, descriptions, injuries etc.
Secure CCTV

SUPPORT SERVICES

For further information:

Contact the City of London Public Protection Unit – [email protected]

www.crimestoppers-uk.org - Give information anonymously

Vulnerable Victims Advocate- [email protected] / 07944634946

Victim Supportline- 0808 1689 111

Survivors Gateway- 0808 801 0860

RapeCrisis- 0808 802 9999