What is sexual assault?

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• 1 What is sexual assault?

  Sexual assault is not your fault

  Sexual assault is never the fault of the victim, no matter what they were wearing, how they were behaving, how much they had to drink or their sexual history.

  Please note that some of these descriptions may be graphic or trigger an adverse reaction. Please be cautious as you read.

  Sexual assault can include:

  • Any penetration without consent (e.g. vaginal, oral or anal), using any part of the body (penis, fingers) or object.
  • Any unwanted sexual touching, stroking, kissing, groping, etc.
  • Unwanted sexual requests, messages or gestures, including electronically, in the workplace or elsewhere.
  • Being made to view pornography against your will.
  • Unwanted taking and/or sharing of nude or intimate photographs or videos, e.g. upskirting.

  Victims of sexual assault may not always physically struggle due to shock, fear, or financial and/or emotional dependence on the attacker. Even if no extra force is used, or someone submits to an attack or a threat, there may not be consent. It is still sexual assault.

  You can reach out to SACC to seek support if you have experienced any form of sexual assault or harrassment.

• 2 Can a man be a victim of rape?

  Some people wrongly think that only women can be sexually assaulted. In fact, anyone can be a victim or a perpetrator of sexual assault, and the experience can be equally traumatic, regardless of gender. Singapore’s Penal Code recognises “rape” as penile penetration of a vagina, mouth or anus. There is also an offence of “sexual assault involving penetration” (s376, Penal Code), which covers cases where a man is forced to penetrate someone else without his consent.

  AWARE’s Sexual Assault Care Centre provides all support services to anyone irrespective of gender, including casework, legal consultation and befriending. Based on needs assessment, for long-term counselling support, we may refer you to a partner organisation. Do contact us for more information.

• 3 What does consent mean?

  Consent is showing agreement to take part in a sex act.

  Consent must be given freely, voluntarily, and actively to count. There must be no threat, intimidation, pressure or guilt-tripping.

  All words, behaviour and circumstances are crucial to decide whether consent exists. Just because no one said “no” does not mean there is consent. Objection may be implied from the context and from the relationship of the parties.

  All people have the right to say “no” at any point. Consent to some sexual acts (e.g. kissing, oral sex) does not equate to consent to penetration. A person might also consent to sex at one point, but change their mind later.

  Alcohol or drugs may prevent someone from understanding a situation. If someone is too drunk to make conscious, informed decisions, they cannot legally consent to any sexual activity.

  Persons under the age of 16 are legally unable to give consent. This means that even if a minor had said yes to sexual acts, the law still sees it as sexual assault. If the victim is a minor under the age of 14, the law carries a heavier punishment.

  Click here to learn more.

• 4 Can consent be given by a person who is intoxicated?

  Under Singapore law, consent is not deemed to be given if the person is so intoxicated that she is unable to understand the nature and the consequence of what they are consenting to.

• 5 Would someone be guilty of an offence of sexual assault by penetration if the victim consents only to certain acts of intimacy but does not want full-blown sex?

  Yes, an offence is committed if the victim did not agree to penetration, even if they agreed to acts of sexual intimacy, such as kissing and petting.

  Someone may originally agree to sex but they are entitled to change their mind and withdraw the initial consent. If the consent is withdrawn before the act of penetration occurred, it is sexual assault.

  Some people think that just because they have said yes to kissing or petting, or they have begun to have intercourse, they are obliged to continue. This is not the case. You have the right to say NO or STOP at any point.

• 6 Is it possible to be raped by one's husband?

  Consent should always be sought for sex—including with a spouse. If your spouse has sex with you without your consent, that is sexual assault.

  Some people think that you can’t say ‘no’ to sex with your spouse, but this isn’t true. You deserve to have your boundaries respected. As of 2020, husbands can be charged and convicted of raping their spouses. There is no longer any immunity for rape within marriage in Singapore. Click here for more information on marital rape.

• 7 How does sexual assault harm the victim?

  There are many ways that sexual assault can harm a victim. Harm can be physical as well as emotional.

  There is no one ‘correct’ way to respond as a victim. Not all harm to a victim may be obvious to an external observer. It is important to support all victims of sexual assault, even if they do not react as you would expect.

  Physical harm

  • Broken bones, bruises, cuts, and other injuries from violent acts
  • Injuries to the genitals and/or anus
  • Being exposed to sexually transmitted infections
  • Unwanted pregnancy

  Sexual assault is never the victim’s fault. However, victims may feel:

  • Ashamed
  • Embarrassed
  • Guilty
  • Worthless
  • Fear
  • Depressed
  • Anger

  You may also struggle with

  • Trust
  • Attraction to men (if the attacker was a man)
  • Consensual sex later in life (inability to enjoy sex without intrusive recollections of the abuse)
  • Flashbacks (re-living the assault in your mind)
  • Nightmares
  • Falling or staying asleep

  No one has to go through this alone. Our counsellors work to support victims on the road to recovery, and our Befrienders can accompany you to the police, hospital or the courts.

• 8 What are the effects of sexual assault?

  Sexual assault can leave physical and emotional scars that last a long time. Some victims find that emotional scars never go away. Long-term counselling can help you to deal with guilt, fear, depression, anxiety and other emotions. No one has to go through this alone. Our counsellors work to support victims on the road to recovery, and our Befrienders can accompany you to the police, hospital or the courts.