Reporting a rape
If you have been raped, the most important thing to remember is
that it's not your fault.
It doesn't matter what you were wearing, how much you had to
drink or whether it was in your home or elsewhere. If you did not
consent then the blame rests entirely with the perpetrator.
The next step is to get help:
* Go to a safe place such as the home of a trusted friend or
family member.
* It is your choice whether or not to report the matter to
police. If you do, the sooner it is reported the more forensic
evidence can be collected.
* If you report the matter to police, you will be assigned a
trained Sexual Offences Liaison Officer. They are experts in this
field and available 24/7.
* Alternatively, contact or go along to your nearest Sexual
Assault Referral Centre (SARC) where you can have a forensic
and medical examination, and get additional independent support.
They can store forensic evidence until you make up your mind
whether to report it to police or not.
Even if you do not wish to report the matter to police, it may
still be important that you receive medical attention.
You do not have to have a forensic examination if you go to a
SARC, Accident and Emergency at your local hospital or your GP. You
may need to receive treatment for your injuries, emergency
contraception, and checks for sexually transmitted infections.
The most important thing is that you do not feel you are on your
own. We are here to help.
Look what you did
Watch the emotive short film about the Sexual Assault Referral Centre.
Listen to this page