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Do you have to report immediately?
No, you do not have to report a sexual offence immediately in the UK. Many people need time to process what has happened, and that is completely understandable.
There is no rule saying you must go to the police straight away. You can take time to think, seek support, and decide what feels right for you.
What to do first
If you have just experienced a sexual offence, try to get somewhere safe first. If you are in immediate danger, call 999.
You may want to contact a trusted friend, family member, or support service. Speaking to someone confidentially can help you feel less alone while you decide your next steps.
Getting medical help
It can be important to get medical attention as soon as you can, even if you are unsure about reporting. A doctor, sexual assault referral centre, or emergency department can check your health and offer support.
They may also be able to collect forensic evidence if you want that option. This can be useful later, even if you are not ready to make a police report right away.
Preserving evidence
If possible, try not to wash your clothes, bedding, or other items connected to the incident. These may contain evidence that could be important if you later decide to report.
Keep messages, photos, screenshots, call logs, or social media posts that may help show what happened. Make a note of times, locations, and anything you remember while it is still fresh.
Reporting later is still possible
You can report a sexual offence days, weeks, or even longer after it happened. Police can still investigate after a delay, and many cases are reported some time after the incident.
If you are not ready for a police report, you can still speak to an independent sexual violence adviser or specialist support service. They can explain your options without pressuring you.
Where to get support in the UK
Rape Crisis services offer free and confidential support across the UK. Sexual Assault Referral Centres, often called SARCs, provide medical care, support, and forensic exams.
If you need urgent help, call 999. For non-emergency police contact, use 101, but only when you feel ready. Your safety, wellbeing, and pace matter most.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are in immediate danger, call 999 now. If you can, move to a safer place and ask someone you trust to stay with you. If you need urgent medical help, go to A&E or call 111 if it is not an emergency.
You can report by calling 101, attending a police station, or contacting police online where available. If you want, you can ask to speak to an officer trained in handling sexual offences. You can also ask for support from a sexual assault referral centre or an independent adviser.
After reporting, try to preserve any evidence if you can, such as clothing, messages, photos, or notes about what happened. Avoid deleting texts or cleaning items that may be useful. Write down key details while they are fresh in your memory.
You can get medical help at A&E, from your GP, or at a sexual assault referral centre if one is available in your area. A medical exam can check for injuries, pregnancy risk, sexually transmitted infections, and other health concerns. You do not have to report to the police before getting medical help.
Yes. Sexual assault referral centres offer specialist medical care, emotional support, and forensic options in a confidential setting. In many cases, you can access support without immediately making a police report. They can explain your choices and help you decide what to do next.
You will usually be asked to give as much detail as you can, but you can say if you are unable to answer some questions right away. It is okay to take breaks or ask for support during the process. Police should explain what happens next and what information they need.
You can make an initial disclosure anonymously to a support service, but a police investigation usually needs some identifying information to proceed. Some organisations can help you understand your options without forcing you to report immediately. If you are unsure, speak to a specialist support service first.
Keep clothing, messages, call logs, photos, videos, emails, and any notes about dates, times, places, and witnesses. Do not wash or throw away items if you can avoid it. If you have already cleaned up or deleted something, you can still report.
You can report as soon as you feel able, but reporting sooner may help preserve evidence and witness memories. That said, it is still worth reporting even if time has passed. Support services can help you decide the right timing for you.
Yes. You can usually bring a trusted friend, family member, or support worker for emotional support. You can also ask for an independent sexual violence adviser or other specialist advocate if available. Tell the police or service in advance if you can.
Police or medical staff may ask to keep certain items as evidence, especially clothing or bedding. They should explain why an item is needed and how it will be stored. If you are worried about losing something important, ask what can be returned and when.
Support services and police should handle your information carefully, but confidentiality is not absolute. They may need to share some details within the investigation or for safeguarding reasons. You can ask at the start who will see your information and why.
Yes. Many sexual offences involve someone the victim knows, and you can still report. The police should treat your report seriously regardless of your relationship to the other person. If you are worried about safety, tell them about any immediate risks.
If you are under 18, you can still report and you should be offered child-focused support and safeguarding. A trusted adult, social worker, or advocate may be involved to help protect you. If you are in immediate danger, call 999.
Yes. You can report historical abuse or assault, even if it happened years ago. Evidence may still exist through messages, records, witnesses, or patterns of behaviour. A specialist support service can help you think through the options.
After you report, police may take a statement, gather evidence, and possibly arrange a forensic examination if appropriate. They may investigate and decide whether to refer the case for prosecution. You should be kept informed about major steps, though timelines can vary.
Get urgent medical advice as soon as possible, because emergency contraception may be available within a limited time. A doctor, A&E, or a sexual assault referral centre can discuss your options. They can also advise on pregnancy testing and follow-up care.
Get checked by a doctor, A&E, or a sexual assault referral centre as soon as you can. They can discuss testing, treatment, and whether preventative medication is appropriate. You do not need to wait for symptoms before seeking help.
You can contact a rape crisis centre, sexual assault referral centre, victim support service, GP, therapist, or trusted person. It is normal to feel shock, fear, anger, numbness, or confusion after reporting. Ask for specialist support if you feel overwhelmed.
If you change your mind, tell the police or your support worker as soon as you can. You can explain what has changed and ask about your options. Even if you do not want to continue with the criminal process, you can still seek medical and emotional support.
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