Sexual Violence
Sexual violence is any sexual act or behaviour that happens without your consent. It can affect anyone—regardless of gender, age, background, or relationship.
Sexual violence can take many forms, including:
- Rape or sexual assault
- Sexual coercion – being pressured or manipulated into sexual activity
- Stealthing – removing a condom without consent
- Image-based abuse – sharing or threatening to share intimate images
- Childhood sexual abuse
- Sexual harassment – unwanted sexual comments, jokes, or messages
Everyone has the right to say no to any sexual activity, at any time, and under any circumstances. Consent must be freely given and be withdrawn at any time. Just because you have consented to something before, does not mean that anyone can expect that of you in the future.
The person responsible for the harm can be a stranger or someone known – such as a friend, colleague, partner, ex-partner or family member.
Supporting resources for students and staff
- Police Scotland - You can report to Police Scotland by calling 101 or using their online form. In emergencies, call 999.
- Rape Crisis Scotland - Frequently Asked Questions and Answers that can help support you.
- You can contact SARCS www.nhsinform.scot/turn-to-sarcs (0800 148 88 88) for care, in the days following rape or sexual assault. You can also consider whether you would like SARCS to preserve forensic evidence. SARCS is a confidential NHS service.
- Further information on support can be found 'it has happened to me or someone I know'