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Sexual Assault

Sexual assault may refer to rape, attempted rape, incest, molestation or other acts of sexual intrusion.

In Bermuda, under the Criminal Code Act, sexual assault is when a person has sexual intercourse with another person without that person’s consent. The offence is no longer called rape within the law books. This Act also recognizes two more forms of sexual assault: serious sexual assault; and aggravated sexual assault.

HAVE YOU BEEN SEXUALLY ASSAULTED?

  • It is really important that you let someone know if you have experienced sexual assault.
  • For emergency situations that require immediate and urgent assistance call 911.

More Information

What is Sexual Assault?

Sexual assault is any type of sexual contact or behavior that occurs without the consent of the recipient.

Sexual assault can happen to anyone. Here are some facts:
  • Sexual assault is a criminal offence
  • A husband or wife may be charged with, and convicted of a sexual assault offence against their spouse
  • Sexual assault has no statue of limitations for making a criminal complaint / prosecution
  • There is no typical victim; anyone can be a victim of sexual assault
  • Silence or the inability to respond is NOT consent
  • Everyone has the right to decide what they do or don’t want to do sexually.
  • Not all sexual assaults are violent “attacks.”
  • Both men and women can be victims of sexual assault.
  • Both men and women can be perpetrators of sexual assault.
  • Sexual assault can occur in same-sex and opposite-sex relationships.
  • Sexual assault can occur between two people who have been sexual with each other before, including people who are married or dating.

Types of Sexual Assault

Serious Sexual Assault
Serious Sexual Assault is when a person in committing a sexual assault also does any of the following: carries, uses or threatens to use, a weapon (or an imitation of a weapon); causes bodily harm to the person; threatens to cause bodily harm to another person is a party to the offence with another person knowingly has a sexual disease
Aggravated Sexual Assault
Aggravated Sexual Assault is when a person, while committing a sexual assault, also wounds, maims or disfigures the other person or endangers the life of the person.

Member of the SART Team

SART is a community-based team that coordinates the response to survivors of sexual assault.
Bermuda Police Service
Department of Child and Family Services
International Association of Forensic Nurses

SART (Sexual Assault Response Team) is a community-based team that coordinates the response to survivors of sexual assault. If following a sexual assault, you are seeking any sort of medical attention, or if you are considering reporting the crime, or if you require counselling, SART is the team that will assist.  SART is comprised of:

  • Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner—Registered Nurse who has received special training to provide comprehensive care to sexual assault survivors. In addition, they are able to conduct a forensic exam and may provide expert testimony if a case goes to trial
  • Bermuda Police Service—Officers are called to the hospital to collect, transport and house the sexual assault kit in a safe area for prosecution of a crime
  • Department of Child and Family Services—provide support to survivor (under 18) and their family
  • Centre Against Abuse—provide direction to the survivor (18 and over) and their family, on their rights and options, and counselling support.
     

Talk To Someone

call our confidential 24 hour hotline 297-8278


If you just want to talk to someone, call our confidential 24 hour hotline 297-8278, or if you want to have an appointment with a counsellor call our office 292-4366.