01592 642336Rape Crisis helpline 08088 01 03 02 daily 5pm-12am

You have options. You make the choices.

If you are thinking of reporting it is really important that you:

  • Don’t wash, eat or drink if at all possible. This is to ensure that the best forensic evidence can be gathered.
  • Place any clothing you wore during the incident (or just after) in a clean plastic bag, don’t wash them or throw them away, including underwear and sanitary products.

If you think that you have been ‘spiked’ (drugged) you need to be aware that blood and urine tests need to be completed as soon as possible to be used as evidence.

 

Option 1

If would like to report the incident directly to the police, you can contact the police on 101 (999 if you are in immediate danger). The Police will want to arrange a forensic examination as soon as possible to gather any evidence. They will interview you at a location that you both agree on, such as a police station, your home or other location you feel safe in.

 

Option 2

If you are not sure about reporting and want to find out more about the process; or would like support in contacting the police and reporting, you can call FRASAC. We will not contact the police without your consent (unless we are concerned that a child or vulnerable adult is at risk). We can provide you with the information you need to make your decisions. We will respect and support your decision to report or not to report. If you chose to report:

  • The police can interview you in our premises (or other you feel safe in) with a member of our staff present to support you if you wish.
  • We can accompany you to the forensics examination if you wish
  • We can support you throughout the justice system from reporting to court if that is what you chose.

 

Option 3

You decide not to report. This is your choice; no-one can make this decision for you.

Although you might not feel like reporting now, you might in time. So you might want to keep the clothes you were wearing at the time of the assault, don’t wash them and put them in a clean plastic bag.

When you wash yourself, use safe products, not household cleaning products as they can be harmful.

We believe that everyone who experiences a sexual assault should make their own decisions about reporting. Whatever decision you make should be right for you, and what you need now. We are here to Listen, Believe and Support so if you pick up the phone or email us, we will respond.

See more helpful resources.

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