Last updated:
30th January 2024
Sexual safety, harassment, and abuse
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Consent and safe sex
It's important to know the laws around consent and sexual activities so that you can make informed choices.
A good place to start is knowing that the age of consent in the UK is 16 years old, and understanding what "consent" actually means - two people agreeing freely to a sexual act.
The Mix has a helpful page on the age of consent and sex between young people and defining consent. The CEOP - Think you know website has further information on sex and the law.
It's also important to take care of your body by having safer sex. This means taking steps to prevent un-wanted pregnancy or catching sexually transmitted diseases. To read up on what you and your partner can do to reduce the risks, visit the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV's website.
Sexual offences
Under the Sexual Offences Act (2003) there are a number of sex crimes punishable by the law in the UK. For a breakdown of what these are and what kind of sentences they can carry, visit:
Sexual harassment
Sexual harassment is unwanted sexual behaviour done to a person against their wishes. If you or another person has been a victim of sexual harassment, there are many places you can go for help including:
Grooming (Child Sexual Exploitation)
Grooming is when a young person is encouraged, or forced, to take part in sexual activity in exchange for something, for example, food, accommodation, drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, affection, gifts or money. It is important to remember that this can happen to any child or young person, can happen on and offline, and that sexual abusers can be both male and female.
For a list of the signs and how to report grooming, see the sites below:
Report CSE or grooming to the police
Revenge porn
Revenge porn refers to the posting of sexual images or videos without the consent of the person in them. This can have long-term effects on a victim and is punishable by the law, so it is important to report this. For more information about this offence and how it is prosecuted, see the links below:
Revenge Porn Helpline
Sexually transmitted diseases/infections
It's important to get tested regularly if you're having sex, especially if you're having unprotected sex or if you have multiple partners. Some illnesses are invisible and you may not show symptoms for a long time, and some will have clear and unpleasant symptoms.
For information on sexually transmitted diseases and advice on contraception, see the links below:
Brook.org - worried you have an STI?
NHS guide to sexual health services
Childline explains sexually transmitted infections
Local sexual health clinics and emergency contraception
For local sexual health information, home testing kits and to book an appointment for emergency contraception or sexually transmitted infections (STI) screening, go to the following websites:
- Book an appointment to attend the Florey Clinic through the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust - Lilie Hub website.
- Home testing kits - the SH.UK website is Royal Berkshire Florey Clinic sexual health e-service providing free and easy access to order a sexual health testing kit.
- The NHS website can help you locate in-person services and support
Further information can be found on the Safe Sex Berkshire website.
Other useful websites and resources
The Sexwise website lists many places you can get free home testing kits that you can send back in the post. If you'd rather see a doctor, .
Our directory also contains useful information and local services about sexual health, sexuality, and contraception:
Contraception and sexual health services
