Being in a relationship, whether married or not, does not mean that your partner should assume that you give consent to have sex, or engage in any kind of sexual activity, with them.

The laws around consent still apply in a relationship - consent needs to be free, willing and given every single time; if not, there is not consent and any sexual activity or sex would be sexual assault or rape.

Intimate partner sexual violence is exactly that - sexual violence perpetrated by an intimate partner. This could be a boyfriend, girlfriend, partner or spouse. Sexual violence in a relationship is rarely an isolated incident and often occurs alongside other forms of abusive behaviour, including physical and emotional abuse. However, it only has to happen once for it to count as sexual violence.

Sometimes, we might think that saying 'yes' to sex to get a partner to leave us alone, to shut them up or to prevent the consequences of saying 'no' counts as willing consent - but it doesn't. Forcing or pressuring someone to say yes to sex, even in a relationship, does not count as that person giving consent.

Reaching out when you have experienced sexual violence is challenging, but it can be even more difficult when you've been assaulted by an intimate partner. You might be concerned for your safety or the safety of your children. You might be worried about your financial situation or what your family and friends might think, or you might still have strong feelings for your partner.

However you feel, it's completely understandable and we won't judge you. We're here for you, we'll listen to you and most importantly, we'll believe you.