PFA PERSONAL INTEGRITY

Personal Integrity GUIDELINES FOR PROFESSIONAL PLAYERS

Sexual consent & respectful relationships Written and developed by the PFA, FA, Premier League and Womens Aid

SEXUAL CONSENT & RESPECTFUL RELATIONSHIPS

Personal Integrity

GUIDELINES FOR PROFESSIONAL PLAYERS

Introduction The following information is intended as a guideline on the legalities around sexual consent that can prevent situations arising whereby accusations of sexual misconduct including rape and sexual assault occur.

Whether you are married, in a relationship or single the information is important and we ask that you read through it and remember that you are responsible for yourself and should take responsibility for your actions and that of your team-mates.

Personal Integrity is the knowledge and understanding of what is right and following it through in thoughts, words and actions.

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What Does Consent Mean?

The legal definition of consent is when a person has a choice and the freedom & capacity to make that choice.

Sexual consent is when there is f reedom and capacity to choose to have sex by all parties involved. Sex when there is coercion, threats, drunk, or unconscious is non-consensual.

Revenge porn, trophy pictures, distribution of naked images are all areas that Section 4 of The Sexual Offences Act 2003 consider sexual activity without consent.

Sex without consent is rape 3

16 SEXUAL CONSENT & RESPECTFUL RELATIONSHIPS

is the legal age for

consensual sex in the uk

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What is the Legal Age for Consensual Sex in the UK?

What is the legal age to share sexual images?

It is your responsibility to make sure you know how old a person is before having sex with them.

By law, anyone under 18 is not classed as an adult.

If someone is in a nightclub, that does not make them the legal age of consent.

If you receive an image on your phone or device f rom someone else, you are still held responsible.

Social media images can be deceiving and people can look older than they are.

The police can and will check the whole teams phones when investigating a case or allegation of rape, or sexual assault.

It is classed as statutory rape if someone is under age.

Befriending and establishing a connection with someone under the legal age of consent, could be considered as grooming.

Sharing nude or images of a sexual nature to or of anyone under 18 is against the law.

Everything that is sent to your phone can be traced even deleted messages and images.

Be aware that distributing sexual images leaves you vulnerable to extortion.

1991 What year did marital rape became illegal?

Sex without consent is rape even in a long-term relationship.

Rape can happen in a marriage and you can be prosecuted.

Rape can happen in a relationship and you can be prosecuted.

Be aware of the new law around coercive control which has a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison.

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SEXUAL CONSENT & RESPECTFUL RELATIONSHIPS

TOP!

SEXUAL CONSENT & RESPECTFUL RELATIONSHIPS

If you are asked to stop whilst having sex when should you stop?

You need to stop having sex immediately after you are asked, not after either party has reached orgasm.

You must stop as soon as you are asked to stop even if you don’t want to. Otherwise it becomes non consensual.

If they don’t say the word “Stop” or “No” but are unresponsive or silent then ask if they want you to stop.

If in doubt…Stop!

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Can the Police use your phone as evidence against you?

Police can take your phone and all technology away for investigation. Team mates phones can also be accessed.

Police can access old messages on phones and social media, including deleted ones, as part of the investigation.

Be mindful that anything that you say or send by phone is not private.

Not just your phone – your actions and behaviour leading up to sexual activity can be monitored and make you accountable.

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SEXUAL CONSENT & RESPECTFUL RELATIONSHIPS

NO

Can a woman rape a man?

No, according to the law a rape can only be committed by a male as the penetration can only be done with his penis.

Although, a woman can commit a serious sexual offence.

A man can rape a man.

Does drink, drugs, illegal & legal highs affect your judgement around consent?

Yes and will be taken into account if your actions are investigated and prosecuted.

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When does NO mean yes?

NEVER! Sex without consent is rape

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Police Investigation

The Law Consent and Reasonable Belief.

According to the law, a rape can only be committed by a male as the penetration can only be done with his penis.

Rape includes: Oral, Vaginal, Anal penetration.

If a victim is penetrated with an object without consent, this is classed as Sexual Assault by Penetration, in English law.

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If you are subject to a police investigation in the first instance you must contact a lawyer, even if you feel you have done nothing wrong.

The police will need to speak to you and may place you under arrest & take you to the police station for questioning. If you are taken to to the police station they will take all of your personal belongings including watch, jewellery and phone.

The questions that they are asking you will be used as evidence in a potential case against you which is why you need legal advice at all times.

The whole process is likely to be lengthy and expensive with serious implications for your life & career. You will be held to account for all previous actions and behaviour in relation to the case against you.

There is no privacy entitled to you during the investigation and your name is likely to be made public very early on. Most cases that come to trial can often take well over twelve months before a verdict is reached.Even if you are found not guilty, you will no doubt be severely affected by the experience.

As a professional player you are in a relationship of Trust with a duty of care to all young adults, children and all adults at risk.

Your personal integrity is key For further Information contact,

The PFA Your Club Welfare Officer www.thepfa.com

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Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) 11 Oxford Court, Bishopsgate, Manchester, M2 3WQ T 0161 236 0575

www.thepfa.com