Concessions

Rape and sexual violence are non-consenting sexual acts. Anyone can be the victim of sexual violence, at any time in their life. In most cases, these assaults are carried out by someone known to the victim – a partner, ex-partner, friend, family member or colleague. Mostly the assaults are committed indoors, usually in the home. It can happen only once - some people are raped or sexually assaulted by different people at different times in their lives - some women are raped over many years living with an abusive partner. Examples include:

  • Forced vaginal, oral or anal sex
  • Penetration of vagina, mouth or anus by objects
  • Flashing or sexual exposure
  • Sexual harassment (verbal, phone calls, texts or e-mail)
  • Being made to watch or take part in pornography
  • Being prostituted
  • Being touched in an unwelcome sexual manner
  • Being spied on during private acts

Misconceptions about sexual violence

  • Only young attractive women are raped
  • It was her fault as she was dressed in sexy clothes
  • Rape is a product of an uncontrollable and overwhelming sex drive
  • Men cannot be raped
  • If there was no struggle, it was not rape
  • It was her fault she was drunk
  • Prostitutes can’t be raped

Victims of rape and sexual assault often blame themselves, minimise what has happened to them and may be reluctant to disclose.

Some statistics

  • Police Scotland Fife recorded 1119 crimes of indecency in 2017/18
  • There will be many more who did not report
  • Fife Rape and Sexual Assault Centre (FRASAC) supported 271 individuals 2017/18.
  • 18% of women have experienced a complete or attempted rape at some time in their life.
  • 2% of men in Scotland have experienced rape

If you have experienced a sexual assault you can get help from:

Fife Violence Against Women Partnership
Tel: 01592 583690

Related Publications

Useful Links

Last updated: 06 Jul 2022

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