The legal framework
The Sexual Offences Act 2009 sets 16 and modernised the definition of rape. Marital rape is criminalised only in defined circumstances, which has been the subject of sustained reform campaigning. The Centre for the Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse handles reports and referrals.
Key points
| Age of consent | 16 |
|---|---|
| Definition | Set out in dedicated sexual offences legislation |
| Marital rape | Criminalised in some of these jurisdictions and not in others — check the national position |
| Medical care | Post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV must begin within 72 hours |
| Forensic evidence | Best collected within 72 hours, before washing or changing clothes if possible |
| Support | One-stop centres combine medical, police and counselling services |
| Sexual Offences Act 2009 | Modernised the offences and created the sex offender register |
| Age of consent 16 | With offences covering those in positions of trust up to 18 |
| Centre for Investigation of Sexual Offences | Specialist police unit |
In practice
- Report to the police at any station; you do not have to decide immediately whether to pursue a prosecution.
- A forensic medical examination can usually be carried out and stored before any decision to report.
- Specialist support services can attend with you and explain each step.
- Ask for written confirmation of any examination and of the report reference.
- Report to the specialist unit rather than a general station.
- Seek medical care immediately; prophylaxis is time-limited.
Recent changes
The regional trend is towards one-stop centres, which have measurably improved both survivor experience and evidence quality compared with separate police and hospital processes.
Where to go
- One-stop centres and gender-based violence recovery units in public hospitals.
- Police units specialising in sexual and gender-based violence.
- National helplines and women's rights organisations providing legal accompaniment.
Worth knowing
Go to a hospital first, ideally within 72 hours: that window covers both HIV prophylaxis and forensic evidence. Reporting to the police can follow afterwards. The limited recognition of marital rape is under continuing review. Where the parties are married, take legal advice on which provisions apply.
Official sources and links
- World Health Organization — international reference on this topic
- WHO Regional Office for Africa — country data and programmes