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Sexual abuse & assault

Sexual abuse can take many forms and may mean any of the following:

  • rape (having sex with somebody without their consent)
  • sexual assault (a range of offences which can include rape or other forms of inappropriate sexual contact)
  • sexual exploitation of children (where children are sexually exploited for money, power or status)
  • female genital mutilation - FGM (intentionally altering or damaging female genitals for non-medical reasons)
  • underage sex (sex with people under the legal age of consent - in the UK this is 16 years of age)

If you’ve been sexually assaulted call SAFE Place Merseyside on 0151 295 3550 (24 hours a day, 365 days a year - all calls are treated professionally and in confidence) or the Police.

Any victim of sexual assault should be tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and consider whether emergency contraception is required. If you have been a victim of sexual assault we are here to support you. We recommend you visit one of our across Wirral. Our supportive staff will offer you STI screening & contraception and signpost you to specialised services for further help from organisations including local women’s aid centres and RASA Merseyside.

Female staff are always on duty at all of our clinics. 

We also encourage you to bring a friend or family member along for support following an assault.

Last updated: 12/12/2022