Sex crimes

You may have heard reports in the media about sexual crimes, including sexual exploitation, sexual assault, sexting, porn, rape and online grooming. Sexual crime is any type of sexual activity that you don’t agree to or have been tricked into. It can be confusing if you have had a sexual experience that doesn’t feel right, trying to work out what to do or where you can go to talk about it.

This content has been written for children and young people. If you’re looking for information for over 18s, visit our Types of Crime information about sex crimes.

Grooming

Grooming is when someone falsely gains your trust to persuade or trick you into doing something sexual with them.

Pornography

Pornography (porn) is when people use sexual images to help them get sexually aroused (turned on). This is usually in films, magazines, in pictures or online.

Rape

If you are forced to have sex, or someone has sex with you without your agreement (consent), this is rape.

Sexual exploitation

Child sexual exploitation (CSE) is a type of sexual abuse in which children and young people are sexually exploited for money, power or status.

Sexual harassment and assault

If it feels like you are being bullied in a sexual way, this may be sexual harassment or sexual assault.