What is the definition of rape?

In the UK, rape is when someone penetrates another person's mouth, vagina, or anus with their penis without that person's consent.

That's the legal definition under the Sexual Offences Act 2003. There are three parts to it: penetration with a penis, the other person didn't consent, and the person doing it didn't reasonably believe the other person consented.

Because the legal definition involves a penis, only someone with a penis can technically commit rape under UK law. But that doesn't mean other forms of sexual assault are less serious. Sexual assault, assault by penetration, and causing someone to engage in sexual activity without consent are all serious criminal offences with severe punishments.

Consent means someone agrees to what's happening by choice, and has the freedom and capacity to make that choice. If someone is asleep, unconscious, too drunk, or being pressured or threatened, they can't give consent.

If something has happened to you, or you're worried about someone else, speak to someone you trust or one of the services below.

In UK law, rape is when someone puts their penis into another person's mouth, vagina, or bum without that person's consent.

Consent means the person agrees to what is happening by choice and has the freedom to make that choice. If someone is asleep, unconscious, too drunk, or being threatened, they cannot consent.

Because the legal definition involves a penis, only someone with a penis can commit rape under UK law. But other types of sexual assault are also serious crimes with serious punishments.

If something has happened to you, or you are worried about someone else, talk to someone you trust or call Childline on 0800 1111.