Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding sexual violence and sexual assault

What is the difference between sexual violence, sexual assault, rape, sexual harassment, and domestic violence

Sexual Violence: is used on this website as an umbrella term to refer to instances of sexual assault, rape, sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, stalking, dating violence, and domestic violence.

Sexual Assault: means an offense that meets any of the following definitions:

• • Rape: which means the penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of the complainant, without the consent of the complainant.
  • Fondling: meaning the touching of the private body parts of the complainant for the purpose of sexual gratification, without the consent of the complainant, including instances where the complainant is incapable of giving consent because of the complainant’s age or because of the complainant’s temporary or permanent mental incapacity.
  • Incest: meaning sexual intercourse between persons who are related to each other within the degrees wherein marriage is prohibited by law as provided in Section 149 of the Penal Code Act (in UGANDA).
  • Statutory rape (or Defilement): means sexual intercourse with a complainant who is under the statutory age of consent as provided in para. 129(1) of the Penal Code Act of Uganda

Sexual harassment: behaviour characterized by the making of unwelcome and inappropriate sexual remarks or physical advances in a workplace or other professional or social situation.

Sexual exploitation: means attempting, taking or threatening to take, non-consensual sexual advantage of another person. Examples include:

• Engaging in the following conduct without the knowledge and consent of all participants:
  • Observing, recording, or photographing private body parts or sexual activity of the complainant.
  • Allowing another person to observe, record, or photograph sexual activity or private body parts of the complainant,
  • Otherwise distributing recordings, photographs, or other images of the sexual activity or private body parts of the complainant.
• Masturbating, touching one’s genitals, or exposing one’s genitals in the complainant’s presence without the consent of the complainant, or inducing the complainant to do the same.
• Dishonesty or deception regarding the use of contraceptives or condoms during the course of sexual activity.
• Inducing incapacitation through deception for the purpose of making the complainant vulnerable to non-consensual sexual activity.
• Coercing the complainant to engage in sexual activity for money or anything of value.
• Threatening distribution of any of the following, to coerce someone into sexual activity or providing money or anything of value:
  • Photos, videos, or recordings depicting private body parts or sexual activity of the complainant.
  • Other information of a sexual nature involving the complainant, including sexual history or sexual orientation.

Dating violence: means violence committed by a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the complainant; and where the existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on a consideration of the following factors: the length of the relationship, the type of relationship, the frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship.

Domestic violence: according to the Domestic Violence Act 2010 of Uganda, this constitutes any act or omission of a perpetrator which:

• harms, injures or endangers the health, safety, life, limb or well-being, whether mental or physical, of the victim or tends to do so and includes causing physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional, verbal and psychological abuse and economic abuse;
• harasses, harms, injures or endangers the victim with a view to coercing him or her or any other person related to him or her to meet any unlawful demand for any property or valuable security;
• has the effect of threatening the victim or any person related to the victim by any conduct mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b); or
• otherwise injures or causes harm, whether physical or mental, to the victim;

What are some examples of conduct that may constitute Sexual Harassment?

1. Unwanted pressure for sexual favors
2. Sexual innuendos and comments
3. Sexually explicit questions
4. Sexually suggestive sounds or gestures such as sucking noises, howling, winks or pelvic thrusts
5. Unwanted pressure for dates: repeatedly asking a person out on a date or to have sex
6. Unwanted deliberate touching, leaning over, cornering, hugging, or pinching, stroking, or squeezing
7. A neck/shoulder massage
8. Rating a person’s physical appearance or sexuality
9. Ogling or leering, staring at a woman’s breast or a man’s derriere
10. Frequent jokes about sex or males/females
11. Letters, notes, telephone calls, or material of a sexual nature
12. Turning work or student education discussions to sexual topics
13. Stalking a person
14. Attempted or actual sexual violence including sexual assault

Can I be assaulted by my boyfriend, girlfriend, spouse or acquaintance?

Yes. Most acts of sexual violence are committed by someone the victim knows. Just because two people have had sex in the past does not mean that they have agreed to have sex at any other time. Acquaintance rape, often called date rape, is when the rapist is someone the victim knows – a date, friend, significant other, classmate or anyone else who is not a stranger. Even if the victim is in an intimate or romantic relationship with the perpetrator and he or she does not consent to the current sexual act, it is sexual assault which is a violation of the victims rights.

What are Date Rape drugs?

Alcohol is the most common date rape drug. There are several other date rape drugs that are used to make victims vulnerable to sex. Date rape drugs are colourless, tasteless and odourless so their presence in a drink is very hard to detect. Substances such, rohypnol (flunitrazepam, diazepam), Scopolamine (Burundanga) are slipped into a person’s drink in liquid or tablet (dissolvable) or powder form when that person is not looking. Shortly after consuming one of these drugs, the victim becomes unconscious or disoriented, loses some or all muscle control and will experience partial or total memory loss of the time the drug is in effect.

If you feel dizzy, confused or have other unusual symptoms after drinking something, you might have been drugged. Call a family member, friend, the police or 0800 220630 (toll-free) for help in getting to a hospital. If possible, bring a sample of the drink. Request a urine test for evidence of sedation as quickly as possible, since these drugs leave the body quickly

What constitutes consent?

“Consent” means words or overt actions by a person who is competent to give informed consent, indicating a freely given agreement to engage in sexual activity or other activity referenced in the definitions of sexual assault and sexual exploitation in this section. A person is unable to give consent if the person is in a state of incapacitation because of drugs, alcohol, physical or intellectual disability, or unconsciousness.

How do I know if I’ve given consent or if my partner has given consent?

“Consent” means words or overt actions by a person who is competent to give informed consent, indicating a freely given agreement to engage in sexual activity or other activity referenced in the definitions of sexual assault and sexual exploitation in this section. A person is unable to give consent if the person is in a state of incapacitation because of drugs, alcohol, physical or intellectual disability, or unconsciousness.

For example, Kato and Atim met at a party, and have an immediate attraction. Later in the night, Kato notices Atim is having a hard time standing on her own, is slurring her speech, and even leaves to throw up. When Kato asks if Atim wants to have sex with him, Atim is unable to respond. Kato has sex with Atim.

Kato has sexually violated Atim. Atim has not, and is unable, to consent because she is not able to freely give informed consent and is incapacitated because of alcohol or drugs.

Example 2: Ann and Denis went on a great first date together and decided to watch a movie in Ann’s dorm room. The two begin to kiss, when Ann asks Denis if he wants to have sex. Denis is surprised things are progressing so quickly and is uncomfortable and not ready to have sex. He says nothing and is very stiff as Ann begins to have intercourse with him.

Ann has sexually violated Denis. Denis did not “indicate a freely given agreement to have sexual intercourse or sexual contact.” Although a verbal response is not mandatory, it should be clear through either words or actions that both parties are willing to engage in sexual activity.

How can I help someone who has been sexually assaulted? What should I say?

Encourage them to seek help. Offer to be there for any of the things they might be going through, like going to the hospital and/or police.

But also, be patient as they open up. Listen to them. Believe them. And be supportive.

When someone has been sexually assaulted they feel very vulnerable. They are often afraid they will not be believed or that they will be blamed for the assault. One of the best things you can do is acknowledge how difficult it was to say something and that you are honoured they trusted you enough to talk about what was done to them.

Try saying:

• “I am so sorry this was done to you.”
• “This was not your fault.”
• “I’m honoured you trust me and told me this.”
• “What do you need the most right now? How can I help?”
• “Would you like me to take you to the hospital for an exam?” (If the assault happened within the last 10 days.)

There are also things you should avoid doing:

• Don’t say “I can’t believe that person would do such a thing.” It implies you do not believe the sexual assault occurred.
• Do not ask for details.
• Don’t try to “fix it.”
• Don’t minimize it.
• Don’t ask “why” questions. They are interpreted as blaming. Fear of being blamed is a huge part of why victims/survivors do not seek help.

Getting help

Something happened to me and I think I’ve been sexually assaulted. How do I know?

“Sexual Assault” means an offense that meets any of the following definitions:

• • Rape: which means the penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of the complainant, without the consent of the complainant.
  • Fondling: meaning the touching of the private body parts of the complainant for the purpose of sexual gratification, without the consent of the complainant, including instances where the complainant is incapable of giving consent because of the complainant’s age or because of the complainant’s temporary or permanent mental incapacity.
  • Incest: meaning sexual intercourse between persons who are related to each other within the degrees wherein marriage is prohibited by law as provided in Section 149 of the Penal Code Act (in UGANDA).
  • Statutory rape (or Defilement): means sexual intercourse with a complainant who is under the statutory age of consent as provided in para. 129(1) of the Penal Code Act of Uganda.

If you wish to speak to someone about what happened, please call 0800 220630 (toll-free), WhatsApp or SMS Us on +256 759 296003 you can also click here to chat with someone.

I’ve experienced sexual violence. Where can I go for help?

If you or someone you know is in danger or needs immediate help, contact the Police, Local Security Personnel or Local Council Leadership.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence or harassment but are not in immediate danger, get support and services by calling us on 0800 220630 (toll-free), WhatsApp or SMS: +256 759 296003 or Click here to chat with us.

Can I report anonymously?

Here at Totya Platform we not only allow but also encourage you to submit an anonymous report. However, please be aware that filing an anonymous report may limit the actions the organization can take on your behalf.

I’ve been sexually assaulted. Can I get a professional medical exam?

You can get a medical exam within 72 hours of your assault by a Registered

If I talk to a Totya Platform agent or counsellor, will my personal information, such as my name, be kept confidential?

YES! At Totya Platform we value confidentiality of the victims/survivors who reach out to us. We never reveal their identities unless given consent by the victim/survivor and even then we do saw with a lot of caution.

I just want to talk to someone, and I don’t want to file a report, or I’m not ready to decide if I want to report yet. Can I still get help?

YES, Totya Platform is all about lending an ear first, we listen! So reach out and speak to someone.

I’m concerned that the person who did this to me might retaliate.

Totya Platform always works together with the Uganda Police, while the police conducts investigations Totya Platform through our various partners is able to provide safe shelter for a victim/survivor of sexual abuse.