Public Sex
We understand that sometimes people access this area for the purpose of sexual activity.
Whilst we cannot promote public sex, we want to be supportive to keep you safe and make sure this community are aware of the sexual health options available to them and everyone who takes part in this scene.
Hopefully, the information on this page will be helpful for you.
Is Having Outdoor Sex Illegal?
A big misconception is that having sex outdoors is against the law- it is not, but there are legal implications to having sex in public.
The Sexual Offences Act 2003 outlaws’ indecent exposure in a public place. This means if you are caught having sex or performing a sexual act and the person who witnesses this takes offence, you and your partners risk a maximum of 6 months in prison or a £5,000 fine.
Sexual activity in public toilets is a crime, but sex in other public places is not, unless witnessed or there is a reasonable chance a member of the public might see what is happening.
‘Exposure’ (showing your genitals with the intention they are seen to cause alarm or distress) is a crime.
The law also says that you should act within the boundaries of taste and decency, this means that if you have sex in an isolated place, where you can expect not to be disturbed, then it is not illegal.
Keeping Safe
- Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea testing
- HIV Testing
- There are also other STI testing available
To access to preventative vaccinations, please click here to access our online Person Health Record portal (PHR)
Staying Safe Online
To stay safe while dating online, you can be careful about who you contact, what you share, and where you meet.
- Trust your instincts – block, report, and avoid suspicious or inappropriate profiles.
- Keep personal info private – avoid sharing live photos, social media links, or details about children.
- Research who you’re talking to – check their photos and profile for red flags.
- Never send money, cryptocurrency, or gifts to someone you’ve only met online.
- Meet in public for first dates and tell someone where you’re going.
- Stay in control – charge your phone, plan your own transport, and set clear boundaries.
PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)
A long-term preventative oral treatment for HIV negative people who are at high risk of contracting HIV through sexual transmission
- Available for free to at risk groups on the NHS from sexual health clinics.
- Can be taken in two ways: daily or event based.
- If taken daily PrEP is estimated to be 99% effective.
PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis)
Anti-Retroviral treatment that can prevent a HIV infection after a potential exposure.
- Available for free from the NHS or your local Essex Sexual Health Clinic.
- Given if you meet assessment at a sexual health clinic or A&E (out of clinic hours)
- If prescribed, start PEP as soon as possible, ideally within 24hrs.
- 28-day course anti-retroviral drugs.
To access either PEP you can book an appointment on our online portal PHR, or you can call 0300 003 1212 where you would be able to discuss everything with a clinician.
Consent
Sexual consent means a clear, voluntary, and affirmative agreement from each person involved in a sexual activity to participate, indicating they have the freedom and capacity to choose to engage, and can say “no” at any time without pressure or coercion; essentially, it’s a “yes” that is freely given and can be withdrawn at any point during the encounter.
Key Points About Sexual Consent:
Must be actively given:
Consent is not implied or assumed; it needs to be explicitly expressed through words or actions.
Can be withdrawn at any time:
A person can change their mind and say “no” to any sexual activity at any point, and their partner must respect that.
Requires capacity:
Someone under the influence of drugs or alcohol, asleep, or mentally incapacitated cannot give consent.
No means no:
If someone says “no,” it means “no,” regardless of previous sexual activity or the relationship dynamic.
Communication is key:
Open and honest communication is essential to ensure everyone involved is consenting.
Age of Consent
The age of consent in the UK is 16 years old. This means that it is legal for people aged 16 and over to consent to sexual activity.
It is illegal for anyone to have sexual activity with someone under the age of 16.
It is illegal for someone over 18 to have sexual activity with someone under 18 if they are in a position of responsibility.
The age of consent is the same regardless of the gender or sexual orientation of a person.
The law is not intended to prosecute teenagers who are close in age, and both want to have sex.
If you’re under 13 and you’re having sex, or thinking about having sex, you can contact Childline for confidential advice and support.
Useful Contact
Synergy Essex:
Offer free, confidential healthcare and compassionate support, in Essex, to people of all ages, who have experienced sexual assault, including rape.
You can contact the service on 0300 003 7777 or visit their website.
FAQ's
Clear answers to common questions
Contacting a sexual health service for the first time can be a little daunting, so here are some easy answers to many of the questions you may have.
Our colleague will ask a few simple questions to understand your circumstances and the support you need – so relax and take your time.
Everything is completely confidential. Nothing will be sent to your home address.
We’ll help you access whatever you need.
This may include talking through your situation, giving you advice, helping you access protection or contraception or organising a STI test.
We offer discreet and easy STI self test kits for many of the most common infections.
If an alternative test or examination is needed, we’ll help you book in a confidential appointment at a local clinic.
We will never ask you to expose any part of your body during a video consultation.
If an examination is required, we’ll book an appointment at a clinic where a doctor will make any examination as quick and unobtrusive as possible.
No one. Your appointment and test results are confidential.
Sexual health services keep separate medical records and will only share information with your GP or other professionals if you agree to it.
If a test is required, many can be conducted by yourself at home. Other infections may need a visit to a clinic.
Most require a sample or urine or swab of the infected area. Others may require a blood test. This will all be explained to you before the test is arranged.
Firstly, please don’t worry, almost all STIs are now treatable.
You’ll be contacted so you can discuss the result and any suggested treatment with a doctor or nurse. In addition to any appropriate medication, you may be offered counselling and other forms of support to help you cope.
Useful Links
Services | Help & Advice
Access a whole range of information and support on sexual health and wellbeing from organisations we work with and support.
