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Can I get help from the police after sexual assault?
Yes. You can contact the police if you want to report a sexual assault, or if you are not sure yet and just want advice about what to do next. In the UK, the police should listen, take you seriously and explain your options.
You do not have to wait until you feel ready to make a formal report. You can also ask to speak to a specially trained officer, such as a sexual offences liaison officer. If you are in immediate danger, call 999.
Can the NHS help me?
Yes. The NHS can provide urgent medical care, including treatment for injuries, emergency contraception, and support after rape or sexual assault. You do not need to report to the police in order to get medical help.
You may be referred to a Sexual Assault Referral Centre, often called a SARC. These centres offer medical support, forensic examinations, and emotional care in a private and sensitive setting.
If you are worried about sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy, or your physical health, a GP, A&E, or a sexual health clinic can also help. If you are unsure where to go, NHS 111 can guide you.
What support can charities offer?
Charities can give confidential emotional support, practical advice, and help you understand your choices. Many people find it easier to talk to a charity first before deciding whether to contact the police or NHS.
Organisations such as Rape Crisis, Victim Support, and SurvivorsUK can offer helplines, counselling, advocacy, and support groups. Some services are available for women, men, and people of all genders, including children and young people.
Charities may also help with housing, benefits, work, and safety planning. They can support you whether the assault happened recently or a long time ago.
Do I have to do everything straight away?
No. It is normal to feel confused, scared, or unsure after sexual assault. You can choose the support that feels right for you and take things one step at a time.
Some people want medical care first, some want to speak to a charity, and some want to report to the police later. You do not have to decide everything immediately.
Where can I find immediate support?
If you are in danger now, call 999. If you need urgent but not emergency medical advice, call 111 or go to A&E.
You can also search for a local SARC, Rape Crisis centre, or Victim Support service. If you need someone to talk to right away, charity helplines can be a good first step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sexual assault support from police, NHS or charities can include reporting a crime, getting medical care, and accessing emotional or practical support. Police can investigate and protect you, the NHS can provide healthcare and forensic services, and charities can offer confidential advocacy, counselling, and helplines. You can use one or all of these services, and you do not have to do everything at once.
You can contact the police if you want to report the assault, go to an NHS sexual assault referral service or A&E for medical help, or contact a specialist charity for confidential support. If you are in immediate danger, call emergency services. If you are unsure what to do, a charity or NHS service can help you decide your next steps.
No, you do not have to report to the police to get sexual assault support from NHS services or charities. You can receive medical care, emotional support, and advice without making a police report. If you later decide to report, many services can still help you.
Sexual assault support from police, NHS or charities may include examination, treatment for injuries, emergency contraception, STI testing, pregnancy advice, and referrals for ongoing care. NHS services can also document findings for possible forensic use if you choose. Charities can help you access and understand the care available.
Yes, sexual assault support from police, NHS or charities can include a forensic medical examination, usually arranged through a sexual assault referral service or with police involvement depending on your choice. A forensic exam may collect evidence and check your health. You can ask questions first and decide whether to proceed.
Most sexual assault support from NHS services and charities is confidential, though there are some exceptions if there is a serious risk of harm or a legal requirement to share information. Police involvement is different because a criminal investigation may require information sharing. You can ask each service to explain their confidentiality rules before you share details.
Yes, children and young people can access sexual assault support from police, NHS or charities. Specialist safeguarding, medical care, and counselling services are available, and support is usually adapted to age and needs. A trusted adult or advocate may be involved, depending on the situation and local safeguarding rules.
Sexual assault support from police, NHS or charities can include crisis support, counselling, advocacy, and help making a safety plan. Charities often provide helplines and ongoing emotional support, while NHS services may offer referrals to therapy or mental health care. Police can also refer you to specialist victim services.
If you need urgent help, call emergency services if you are in immediate danger or seriously injured. For medical care, go to A&E or contact an NHS sexual assault service if available locally. For support and advice, contact a specialist charity helpline or victim support service as soon as you can.
When you report to police, they will usually take a statement, explain your options, and may arrange medical or forensic support. You can ask for a specially trained officer or victim liaison. The process should be explained to you step by step, and you can ask for breaks or support during interviews.
Some charities can offer anonymous advice and support without you giving your name. NHS and police services may need identifying details for treatment, safeguarding, or legal reasons, but you can ask what information is required before sharing it. If you are worried about privacy, a charity can help you understand your options.
Rape and sexual assault survivors can access medical treatment, forensic examinations, reporting options, counselling, advocacy, and crisis support through police, NHS, or charities. Some services are specialised for survivors and can help with both immediate needs and longer-term recovery. You do not need to decide everything right away.
Yes, sexual assault support from police, NHS or charities can still help even if the assault happened a long time ago. You may still be able to access counselling, medical advice, and reporting options. A specialist service can explain what evidence or support may still be available.
In most cases, sexual assault support from police, NHS or charities is free. NHS medical care and many charity services do not charge for support. Police involvement is part of public services, so you should not have to pay to report or receive basic assistance.
Yes, you can usually bring a trusted friend, family member, advocate, or support worker to sexual assault support from police, NHS or charities. The service may need to speak to you alone for part of the appointment, but having someone with you can help you feel safer. Ask the service beforehand what is allowed.
It is common not to remember every detail after trauma. Sexual assault support from police, NHS or charities can still help even if your memory is incomplete. You can share whatever you do remember, and staff should not pressure you to fill in gaps you do not know.
Sexual assault support from police, NHS or charities can help you think about immediate and longer-term safety, such as changing contact details, adjusting routines, seeking protective measures, or arranging a safe place to stay. A charity or victim support worker can help you make a personalised plan. Police can also advise on legal protections where appropriate.
When using sexual assault support from police, NHS or charities, you have the right to be treated with dignity, to ask questions, to receive information about your options, and to access support services. You also have the right to decline parts of the process, where possible, and to seek advocacy or legal advice. A specialist support service can explain your rights in more detail.
Yes, sexual assault support from police, NHS or charities can help with pregnancy prevention, pregnancy testing, STI testing, and treatment or referrals. NHS services can provide emergency contraception and medical follow-up, while charities can help you access care and emotional support. If you are worried, seek help as soon as possible.
You do not have to choose only one, because sexual assault support from police, NHS or charities can work together. If you need urgent medical care, start with the NHS. If you want to report a crime, contact police. If you want confidential advice or emotional support, contact a charity. A specialist service can help you decide what feels right for you.
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