Help after rape or sexual assault

Support is available, including when someone is unsure

Sexual violence can affect people of any gender, sexuality or background. It can be caused by a partner, relative, care worker, acquaintance or stranger. The person harmed is not to blame. Support is available whether it happened recently or years ago, and whether the person is certain what happened or can remember everything. Nobody needs visible injuries or a completed account before asking for help.

Consent means a free choice

Sexual activity needs consent: agreement made freely with the ability to make that choice. Agreeing before, being married or using contraception does not establish consent now. Consent can be withdrawn. Someone who is asleep, unconscious or unable to decide because of alcohol or drugs cannot consent. Freezing, silence or not fighting back does not establish consent. Drinking alcohol or taking drugs never makes someone responsible for another person assaulting them.

A learning disability does not remove a person’s voice

Do not assume someone cannot consent simply because they have a learning disability or communicate differently. Equally, a relative or professional cannot consent to sex for them under the Mental Capacity Act. Ask for communication support that allows their own account and choices to be understood. The person suspected of harming them should not interpret, answer for them or control their contact with services.

Immediate danger or urgent medical need

Call 999 if someone is in immediate danger, seriously injured or has a life-threatening medical problem. A&E can provide emergency care. For other urgent concerns, contact a sexual assault referral centre, a sexual health clinic or NHS 111 for advice. If spiking is suspected, say so promptly because some tests are time-sensitive. Getting safe and receiving necessary medical care comes before preserving evidence.

Contact a sexual assault referral centre

A sexual assault referral centre is often called a SARC. It provides specialist medical, practical and emotional support. Adults can contact a SARC directly and arrange an appointment, or ask a trusted person to help. A police report is not a condition of receiving support. The NHS finder lists services. Explain when the incident happened, urgent health concerns and access needs; the centre can advise on the appropriate next step.

Pregnancy prevention and infection care can be urgent

Ask promptly about injuries, emergency contraception, STI tests and preventive treatment. Emergency contraception has different time limits, usually 3 or 5 days depending on the method. HIV PEP is emergency medicine that may prevent HIV; it should start as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours and no later than 72 hours. A sexual health clinic or A&E assesses whether it is needed. Do not wait for a police decision or routine test results.

An examination is explained and choices matter

Staff should explain medical care and any proposed forensic examination, which looks for evidence of a crime. A person can agree to some parts, decline others or ask to stop. Request an examiner gender, a chosen supporter, interpreter, Easy Read explanations, communication aids, breaks and a suitable room or equipment. Staff need to plan consent and communication carefully; disability alone does not justify ignoring the person’s wishes.

Evidence options, even after washing or a delay

If possible, seek SARC advice before washing or changing clothes. However, someone who has already washed, changed or waited can still get care and discuss an examination. There is no single deadline after which asking is pointless. Do not delay essential care to protect evidence. Avoid washing or throwing away relevant clothes where practical, and ask the SARC how to handle them. Do not buy a do-it-yourself forensic swab kit.

Time to consider reporting

A SARC can discuss collecting and storing evidence before an adult decides whether to report to police. Ask how long samples are stored and what consent or information-sharing rules apply locally. A medical visit does not require a commitment to pursue a case. An independent supporter can explain reporting options without deciding for the person. Reporting remains possible after a delay; the service can explain what evidence may still be available.

Independent support and longer-term help

An independent sexual violence adviser, or ISVA, can help with practical needs, access to services and understanding the police or court process. Support may be available without a police report. An ISVA is not the same as a solicitor or therapist. Ask about accessible counselling, trauma support and help with housing or replacement care if needed. Explain communication, sensory and learning disability needs when a referral is made.

Privacy and safe contact

Ask how information will be kept and when professionals may need to share it for safeguarding or legal reasons. Absolute secrecy cannot be promised. Agree whether calls, messages, letters or voicemail are safe. If a device is monitored, use a safer device if possible. Tell the service about anyone who controls communication, medicines, personal care or transport so that support can be planned without relying on that person.

Help for children and young people

A child or young person needs a specialist safeguarding response. NHS England guidance says children’s SARC referrals are managed through children’s social care and/or police. A trusted teacher, GP, social worker or SARC can help identify the local route. Professionals may need to share information to keep a child safe, so the adult no-report route must not be promised to a child. Childline provides support on 0800 1111; use 999 for immediate danger.

A free support line for people aged 16 and over

The 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line offers free phone and online support in England and Wales, including England. Call 0808 500 2222 or use its webchat. It welcomes people of any gender, including those unsure what happened. Ask about communication or interpretation support. The line offers emotional support and information; it is not an emergency service. Its website explains limited confidentiality exceptions.

Supporting another person

Listen, take what they say seriously and make clear that the assault was not their fault. Avoid repeated questioning, investigating yourself or demanding that they report. Ask before touching or hugging them. Offer practical help to contact specialist care and explain any necessary safeguarding action. Respect their communication pace. Do not confront the suspected person or arrange a joint discussion to resolve the assault.

Help after unwanted sexual contact

Unwanted sexual contact is not your fault

Get urgent help

Help from a specialist centre

Support during examinations

Independent and ongoing support

What you can do next

More useful links