How to get help and support if you have been Sexually Assaulted
Both men and women can find themselves in a situation that would lead to sexually assault or even rape. It is important to know what help and support you can access when you are ready to react out to authorities.
What is Rape and Sexual assault?
The law defines rape as non-consensual penetration of the vagina, anus or mouth by another person’s penis. The word Non-Consensual means that you did not freely agree to have sexual intercourse. You can also be convicted of rape if you assist or help someone else’s be raped.
Sexual assault is when someone touches you intentionally without your consent.
It would not count as consent if:
- You are subject to violence or threats of violence
- Those threats of violence or violence were made to force someone to consent
- You were asleep, unconscious, drugged or incapacitated by alcohol
- Your disability meant you were not able to communicate your lack of consent
Reporting Rape or Sexual Assault
Reporting rape or sexual assault can be a difficult decision and you may wish to get advice and support before you go to the police about it. Your local police may have a specialist worker that you can ask to speak to. They are called a Sexual Offences Liaison Officer.
If you are not ready to talk to the police
If you are unsure and have reservations about what to do, you have the option to go to a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC). There you will be able to get information, advice, make a statement, have forensic samples taken, get medical support which includes tests for STD’s and pregnancy, all without having to report it to the police. All this information can be stored for when you would like to report anything to the police in the future. If you do want to go to a SARC, you should try go as soon as you can to preserve important evidence.
You can also get help from an independent Sexual Violence Adviser that can give you specialist advice and support. You can also get help from Rape Crisis Centre which have a safe and confidential environment for women and girls who have been raped, child sexual abuse, sexual harassment or any form of sexual violence. They also can provide services for men and boys. Some can also offer support to partners and friends.
Contact details:
Rape crisis Centre: 0808 802 9999 or Rape Crisis Centre
Your local Sexual Assault Referral Centre
Women’s rights: https://rightsofwomen.org.uk
Domestic violence: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/family/gender-violence/domestic-violence-and-abuse-getting-help/
Male rape services: http://www.male-rape.org.uk
