Error: This is required. Error: Not a valid value. If you have been, or think you may have been, sexually assaulted and you don't feel safe, call triple zero Sexual assault is a type of sexual violence.
It is any unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature that you have not consented to. It can occur when a person is forced, tricked, intimidated or coerced into sexual behaviour. There are helplines and crisis organisations that can help if you, or someone you know, has been sexually assaulted. See 'Resources and support' below. Rape typically refers to penetration of the genitals, anus or mouth β without consent β by a penis, object or another part of the body.
When a child is involved, sexual assault is usually referred to as child sexual abuse. Anyone β of any age or gender β can experience sexual assault. Most people know the person who assaults them. They may be a spouse, intimate partner or carer. Sexual assault is a crime. Almost 2 million Australian adults have experienced at least one sexual assault since the age of 15 years.
You can only consent to sexual behaviour β which means you agree to the behaviour β when you are not being intimidated and you are aware of what is going on. You can decide at any time that you don't consent to sexual behaviour continuing β even if you've already started. If this happens, both of you must stop right away. Even if you are in a relationship with someone, they still need your consent for sexual activity.
And they need your consent every time. Australian states and territories all have laws that define the 'age of consent'. If you are below that age, you cannot lawfully give your consent. In Australia, the age of consent is 16 years for all states and territories, except in Tasmania and South Australia where it is 17 years.
