If someone you know has been sexually assaulted, it can be a very distressing and confusing time for you both. On this page you will find some guidelines as to what to do next.
What to do next
You can help to support the person who has been assaulted by;
- explaining what their options are and what happens next
- accompanying them to the police station nearest to them
- helping them to feel safe
- listening to them and supporting them through the recovery process
If they want to report to the police
Call 101 or 999. A specially trained officer will speak to you and them about what has happened and will arrange for an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) to support and guide them through the process. Unfortunately we can’t usually gather forensic DNA evidence after 10 days but we can still provide them with advice regarding sexual health, contraception, counselling and support.
If they are unsure or don’t want to report to the police
If you need help immediately, you can call us on 0300 3034626.
If not please fill out the call back form below and we will call you back in office hours. This service is completely confidential.
One of our specially trained staff will talk to them and you about what to do next and how we can help. We can give advice on sexual health, contraception, counselling and support.
Reporting to the police is entirely their choice and they shouldn’t feel pressured. They can decide to prosecute at a later date but we can only gather DNA evidence up to 7 days after the assault.
Why is 10 days important?
10 days is the longest time that forensic evidence can reliably survive. After this time, we can still help them with sexual health care, counselling, advice and support but we can no longer gather forensic evidence.
I am concerned about sexual health
If you have been raped or sexually assaulted, there is a possibility that you may be pregnant, or you may have been given a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
Sexual health services
Sexual health services, including STI testing, are available from sexual health clinics, GPs and pharmacies.
You can find out more about your local services here.