Physical Assault (Including Rape & Sexual Assault):Physical assault of any kind and any degree, including any sexual assault and rape. The common sense description and the legal definition are fairly similar. It needs to be appreciated that any kind of uninvited and unwelcome physical contact 'feels' like an 'assault' and can be appreciated in Law as an assault. A physical assault can be anything from being spat on, prodded and deliberately shoved, through severe beating, where blood is drawn and bones are broken. A more extreme 'physical' consequences can be unconsciousness and near death. The most extreme can be death itself. Weapons / objects may, or may not have been used; fists, feet & head can be considered weapons when used to assault. Rape and other sexual assaults are a particular form of Physical Assault. Like their non-sexual counterparts, they are uninvited intrusion onto and into the body, by any means, or method, with, or without the use of an object. These do not have to be penetrative in order to be serious in Law. The psychological & emotional effects should also be considered as having potentially serious consequences. All forms of assault have a powerful psychological and emotional component. Whether or not there is intention to do so, there is always an element of humiliation and disempowerment. There is also a strong effect of control, or manipulation. Even after a single event this can affect our confidence. Persistent assaults and humiliation have a lasting effect and can become an 'expected' part of your life. Occasional assaults with intimidation and humiliation (bullying), over and extended period, by one, or many perpetrators, is not uncommon. This too has a very disempowering and undermining effect. It is a kind of torture and brainwashing. The fact that it is largely hidden, or is public, and seen as humorous and insignificant by many around you, does not reduce the effect it has. It 'magnifies' it.  This page is in the stage of preparation.
There are some links on the right that may be helpful: | Community Legal Advice: Victim Support Website Witness Support (UK) Criminal Justice System UK. Website CJS online.gov.uk - Witness CJS online.gov.uk - Victim Domestic Violence, Abuse and Harassment: Leaflet Dealing with the Police. Dissatisfied with conduct towards self, or another: Leaflet Racial Discrimination - Leaflet Personal Injury - Leaflet Victim Support Service: Violent Crime - Leaflet Rape & Sexual Assault - Information National Association for People Abused in Childhood - Website Rape and Sexual Assault - information for Men - Leaflet Rape and Sexual Assault - information for Women - Leaflet Survivors UK - Website Legal Aid Services UK: www.legalservices.gov.uk Legal Services Commission (LSC) run the legal aid scheme in England and Wales. LSC - OnlineThe LSC provide information, advice & legal representation to help two million people each year get access justice.  CLS Website
The Community Legal Service (CLS) helps people with 'civil' legal problems such as family breakdown, debt and housing.
 CLA WebsiteThis website offers free, confidential and independent legal advice for residents of England and Wales Free, confidential legal advice: 0845 345 4 345 Click: CLA Charges  CDS Link
The Criminal Defence Service (CDS) helps people who are under police investigation, or facing criminal charges.
NOTE: This Document is still at some stage of development. You are invited to respond and comment on its content and its logic. If you return to the document at a future date, you will be able to see its continued development, hopefully reflecting your own and others commentary. Thank you for your cooperation. TRC. eMail: terry.couchman@visitweb.org |
