Reporting Rape or Sexual Assault to the Police
If the attack has just happened, or you are in danger or your attacker is still present call 999. Otherwise, call 101. The victim or another person can report the attack. You can also report in person at a police station.
It is your choice whether to report the offence to the police. It
may help for you to talk it through with someone you trust or a Sexual Assault Referral Centre or to contact a helpline.
When you first contact the police
If you phone, you will speak to someone at the Police Call Centre, who is trained to deal with these kinds of incidents.
We will want to know that you are safe - tell us where you are so we can send a police officer immediately to you.
What you can do to assist the police
Depending on how recently the incident occurred, you may be asked to not to wash any of the clothing
you wore at the time of the assault including underwear. Put them in a
clean plastic bag if you want to change. You will also be asked not to
bathe or shower or clean your teeth. If you have already done so, don't panic,
this is a normal reaction after this kind of attack - just let us
know, you may still be able to provide samples. The assault has still
occurred and we still want to know.
If you have spoken to anyone else prior to reporting it, such as a
friend, helpline or someone in the Sexual Assault Referral Centre, it
is very important that you let us know so that we can ensure a comprehensive and professional investigation.
What happens next?
You will be allocated a designated Specially Trained Officer (STO)
who will talk to you and support you throughout the investigation. Your
STO will help in a discreet and professional manner, and will be your
main point of contact throughout. You can ask for your STO to be a man
or woman.
You may be asked to agree to a medical examination to provide evidence.
Your STO will keep you informed of the progress of the investigation and will support you through the court process.
If you don’t want to report the matter to the police
You can speak to someone at the SARC who will be able to help you.
