A sexual assault is an act of physical, psychological and emotional violation, in the form of a sexual act, which is inflicted on someone without consent.
It can involve forcing or manipulating someone to witness or participate in any sexual acts - apart from penetration of the mouth with the penis, the penetration of anus or vagina (however slight) with any object or the penis, which is rape.
Other sexual assaults may include incidents of flashing, sexual threats or touching which causes fear, alarm or distress. Anyone can be a victim of rape or sexual assault, no matter what age they are and regardless of whether they are male or female.
Rapes and sexual assaults can be committed by someone you know. That includes members of your family or an acquaintance.
Rapes and sexual assaults can also be committed by strangers. You can also be raped or sexually assaulted by a partner or spouse (someone you are in a relationship with).
There are no excuses for sexual violence. You have the right to live your life free from fear, violence and abuse. You may feel frightened, humiliated and isolated but you are not to blame and you are not alone.
Cambridge and Peterborough Rape Crisis Centre offers Helplines, Counselling and support from the Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs). Cambridge Rape Crisis telephone helpline number is 01223 245888. You can also email support @ cambridgerapecrisis.co.uk
Peterborough Rape Crisis can be contacted on 01733 852578 or via email at peterboroughrapecrisis@nhs.net
The Sexual Assault Referral Centre, based at Hinchingbrooke Hospital, is a safe place where victims of sexual assualt and sexual violence can receive specialist support and information. You can visit the website here or call 0800 193 5434