I'm worried I may have assaulted someone

If you are worried that something you have done may have caused sexual harm to another person, it is important to take that concern seriously. Acknowledging that your actions may have hurt someone can feel uncomfortable, but it’s also a vital first step in taking responsibility and preventing further harm.

Understanding harm and consent

Sexual activity always requires clear, informed, and voluntary consent from everyone involved. Consent means:

• A person freely agrees to take part, without pressure, manipulation, or threat

• They have the capacity to make that choice

• Consent can be changed or withdrawn at any time

• Saying yes once does not mean yes in the future or to something else

If any of this wasn’t true, for example, if someone was intoxicated, asleep, frightened, coerced, or unable to freely decide, the sexual activity may have been non-consensual and therefore harmful.

Who can help?

Confidential support can help you explore your thoughts, understand what happened, and take constructive steps forward.

• Centre for Wellbeing: offers confidential space to reflect, gain understanding, and learn how to build safer, healthier relationships

• Respect Phoneline: a UK service offering confidential advice to anyone concerned about their own behaviour in relationships. They help people to recognise harmful patterns and make positive change

• Drive Project: works with people who have used abusive behaviour in relationships, focusing on safety, accountability, and change

Building a culture of safety

Everyone has a role in creating a community where people feel safe and respected. Seeking support to understand your actions, shows care for others and commitment to learning. Taking steps to reflect and change helps build a culture based on respect, empathy, and accountability.