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What is rape?

Rape is often described as unwanted, forced or non-consensual 'sex'. But sex and rape are two very different things. If there is no consent then it's not sex, it's rape – no matter the circumstances.

On this page, you'll find definitions, statistics and FAQs.

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The key points

  • The general definition or meaning of the word 'rape' is when someone didn't give their consent for sex to happen.
  • Rape isn't sex. It's a form of sexual violence and a very serious crime that carries the same maximum sentence as murder: life in prison.
  • No-one ever deserves or asks for rape to happen. 100% of the blame lies with the perpetrator (the person who carried it out).
  • Rape Crisis services are for victims and survivors of all forms of sexual violence and abuse – not just those whose experience fits the legal definition of rape.

➡️ Have you experienced rape or another form of sexual violence or abuse? Or are you feeling confused? Please know that you are not alone. We have lots of information and support to help.

➡️ Trying to work out if you've experienced rape? You might find it helpful to visit our 'Was I raped?' page.

What is the legal definition of rape?

The legal definition of rape in England and Wales is when someone intentionally penetrates another person's vagina, anus or mouth with their penis, without that person's consent.

The Sexual Offences Act 2003 says that someone commits rape if all of the following happens:

  • They intentionally penetrate the vagina, anus or mouth of another person with their penis.
  • The other person does not consent to the penetration.
  • They do not reasonably believe that the other person consents.

This includes if:

  • The two people are married or in a relationship.
  • The other person consented to one type of penetration (e.g. vaginal or oral sex), but not another (e.g. anal sex).
  • Someone removes a condom without the other person’s permission – or lies about putting one on. This is commonly known as ‘stealthing’.
Info

What the law in England and Wales is basically saying:

Rape is when someone puts their penis in another person's vagina, anus or mouth on purpose, without the other person's consent.


How the law defines 'consent'

Under English and Welsh law, someone consents to sex or other sexual activity when they agree to it by choice and have both the freedom and capacity to make that choice.

This means that someone doesn't consent to sex or other sexual activity if they:

  • Say 'no'.
  • Seem unsure or upset, stay quiet, move away or don't respond.
  • Are asleep, unconscious, drunk, drugged or on drugs.
  • Are pressured, manipulated, tricked or scared into saying 'yes'.
  • Are too young or vulnerable to have the freedom and capacity to make that choice.
Find out more about sexual consent
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Other definitions of rape

The legal definition of rape is very limited and doesn't match with the experiences of lots of victims and survivors who would describe what happened to them as rape.

At Rape Crisis, we believe that victims and survivors should use the words that are most meaningful to them to describe their experiences. However, if a victim or survivor wants to report what happened to them to the police, it's important for them to know that someone can only be charged with rape if it fits the legal definition.

❗ If someone's experience doesn't fit with the legal definition of rape then that doesn't mean it wasn't as bad. All forms of sexual violence or abuse can have a serious and long-lasting impact on the people they happen to – and many forms carry long-term maximum prison sentences.

Find out more in the FAQs below

Key statistics about rape

Based on most recent publicly available data from (left to right) the Office for National Statistics (2023), the Office for National Statistics (2023), the House of Commons Library (2022) and the Home Office (2023).

  • 1 in 14women

    have experienced rape or assault by penetration as an adult

  • 1 in 300men

    have experienced rape or assault by penetration as an adult

  • 1 in 4rapes recorded by police

    are of girls under the age of 16

  • Just 2%of the rapes recorded by police in the year ending March 2023

    resulted in a charge by the end of the year

Frequently asked questions about rape

Get help and support

If you have experienced rape or sexual assault of any kind – whether it was recently or a long time ago – Rape Crisis is here for you. If you choose to contact us, we will listen to you and believe you. And we will never judge.

Find out more about getting help and support

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You can contact our free 24/7 Support Line by calling 0808 500 2222 or visiting the website to start an online chat.