I need help (UK people only)
My friend was recently sexually assaulted. She is 16 years old and her 15 year old friend tried to have sex with her, saying to her "You know you want it". They have never been in a relationship, they have always been friends and only friends. She kept on saying no and eventually had to shove him off her and leave, so he tried to force himself on her, but no actual sex happened.
She wants to report it to the police, however due to both of us seeing a presentation by a police officer in school about sexual assault, we aren't sure.
Since she is 16 and he is 15, we're nervous about it being turned on her because she is the age of consent and he isn't, we're worried the police will treat her as the one at fault when in reality she is the victim.
I live in the UK and I desperately need to know if the fact that she is 16 will make the police view her as the one responsible, even though she is the victim. If anyone lives in the UK and knows about the UK law in sexual assault cases and how this will play out for us, please respond. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. Thank you.
I suggest you try to contact NHS rape and sexual assault referal center. They will hopefully be up to date with the process/laws and be able to give you a more professional advice on the options. You can find the number of one close to you or their contact info here: https://www.nhs.uk/Service-Search/Rape-and-sexual-assault-referral-centres/LocationSearch/364#
@Flourish
I will definitely check this out, thank you so much for replying!
@quinnpin15 - You are welcome.
@quinnpin15
However old you are, sex should always be consensual. Every person has the right to say No! and never forced into a situation they do not wish to be in.
According to the Sexual Offences Act 2003, its a criminal offence for any kind of sexual activity to take place between two people where one or both participants is under 16.
The law applies to men, women, gay, lesbian or straight in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. A similar law exists in Scotland.
In England and Wales it is an offence to touch someone else with sexual intent if the other person has not consented to such touching and if the person carrying out the offence does not reasonably believe that the other person consented.
In Northern Ireland it is an offence (sexual assault) for a person intentionally to touch sexually another person without reasonable belief that they consented. Touching covers all physical contact, whether with a part of the body or anything else, or through clothing
In Scotland the range of sexual assault offences relating to ‘sexual touching is similar, with the addition of sexual penetration
The age of consent to any form of sexual activity is 16 for both men and women. The age of consent is the same regardless of the gender or sexual orientation of a person and whether the sexual activity is between people of the same or different gender.
‘Consent means to say yes.
If your friend would like to talk her options through with someone confidentiality they could contact Childline on 0800 1111.
@dancingRainbow45
This is really helpful, thank you so much for taking the time to type this out - I'll suggest childline to her, I think that could benefit her. Once again, thank you!
@quinnpin15 You are most welcome. Childline would be able to talk her through various options and to support her with whatever decision she makes. The phone number is also free and will not show up on a bill. Good luck
