Sexual assault

Sexual assault is when someone touches your body in a sexual way without your consent. It includes all unwanted sexual acts, such as kissing and fondling, not just intercourse or oral sex.

You have been sexually assaulted if the reason you let someone have sex with you is because you are scared or because you are afraid you will be hurt. It is sexual assault if someone has sexual activity with you when you are drunk, on drugs, passed out or asleep. For more information, see the following links:

• Fraser Health resources on sexual assault
• Sex and U resources on sexual assault
• Options for Sexual Health resources on sexual harassment and assault

Consent means saying yes to something, provided that you understand what you are agreeing to and can give your consent freely.

Consent for any sexual activity must be freely given. Consent cannot be given by someone who is intoxicated, unconscious or otherwise considered incapable of giving their consent. Consent can also not be freely given if it happens after being threatened. This could be a threat to your to personal safety, or threats to harm others. Learn more:

• Sex and U guidelines on what is consent?
• Sex and U guidelines on consent

In Canada, you must generally be 16 years of age or older to have sex legally. Some exceptions are below:

• A 12 or 13 year-old can consent to sex with someone less than two years older.
• A 14 or 15 year-old can consent to sex with someone less than five years older.
• A person under the age of 18 cannot legally consent to sex with someone in a position of authority such as a teacher, coach, babysitter, family member, employer.
• Sex with a person under the age of 12 is illegal. It is a sexual assault.

Learn more about the law around the age of consent and Canada's laws around consent to sexual activity.

It is very important to get help and tell someone. This can be difficult but there are many free and confidential support services to help you. Here are some places to get help.

• List of local Fraser Health region sexual assault clinics, support groups and helplines.
• Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centres' list of women's centres and transition houses.
• Resources for reporting child abuse if the victim of sexual assault is 12 years old or younger.

It is also very important to take good care of yourself, both physically and emotionally. It is important to see a health care provider as soon as you are able after an assault, so that they can treat any physical symptoms and perform tests to ensure your safety.

Caring for your emotional well-being after a traumatic event like this is also important. Every person responds in a different way to sexual assault and violence. Some people get angry while others feel ashamed or sad. It can help to talk to someone about what happened. Read on for more information about taking care of yourself after being assaulted.

• Sex and U's information for victims of sexual assault
• Say Something B.C.'s resources on speaking out against sexual assault
• Women Against Violence Against Women rape crisis centre
• Fraser Health Crisis Line: 1-877-820-7444
• Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868