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Can I get support without reporting to the police?
Yes. In the UK, you do not have to report a sexual assault to the police in order to get help. You can seek support from the NHS, sexual assault referral centres, and charities whether or not you want to make a formal report.
Many services are designed to help you first, and let you decide later what you want to do. You should never feel pressured to report before you are ready.
Support from the NHS
The NHS can provide medical care after a sexual assault, including treatment for injuries, emergency contraception, testing for sexually transmitted infections, and follow-up care. If needed, you can also be referred to specialist sexual assault services.
Getting medical help does not mean you must tell the police. NHS staff should support your health and wellbeing, and explain your options in a sensitive way.
Sexual Assault Referral Centres
Sexual Assault Referral Centres, often called SARCs, offer specialist support after rape or sexual assault. They can provide medical exams, crisis support, and help with preserving forensic evidence if you are unsure about reporting.
You can usually attend a SARC without making a police report. In many cases, they can store evidence for a period of time so you can think about your next steps.
Charities and independent support
Charities such as rape crisis centres and sexual violence support organisations can help you without involving the police. They may offer counselling, advocacy, emotional support, and practical advice.
These services are confidential and can help you understand your options. They can also support you if you later decide to speak to the police, or if you choose not to.
If you do want to report later
It is okay to take time before deciding whether to report. Support services can help you collect information and preserve evidence, which may be useful if you choose to contact the police in the future.
Reporting is your choice, and there is no single right way to respond after sexual assault. The most important thing is getting the support you need, when you need it.
What to do next
If you are in immediate danger, call 999. If you need urgent medical help, go to A&E or call 111 for advice.
For specialist support, you can contact a SARC, NHS services, or a local sexual violence charity. You do not have to report to the police first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Reporting to police to get sexual assault support from police NHS or charities means telling the police about a sexual assault so they can investigate and help connect you with specialist support. Depending on your needs, this can lead to access to NHS sexual assault services, independent sexual violence advisors, counselling, advocacy, and support from local charities.
Anyone who has experienced sexual assault can consider reporting to police to get sexual assault support from police NHS or charities, regardless of age, gender, immigration status, or whether the assault happened recently or in the past. Support options may vary by location, age, and individual circumstances.
You can start by calling 999 in an emergency, 101 for non-emergency police contact, or by visiting a police station if you feel safe doing so. You can also contact an NHS sexual assault referral centre, a sexual violence charity, or a helpline for advice before deciding whether to make a formal report.
After you report, police may take an initial statement, explain your options, and refer you to specialist support. You may be offered medical care, forensic examination if relevant, safety planning, and contact with an NHS service or charity that can provide emotional and practical support.
Yes, you may be able to access NHS sexual assault services and some charity support without making a full police report. Some services can provide care, forensic options, and counselling while you decide whether or not to report to police.
Police reports are usually not anonymous if they are to be investigated, but many support services can be confidential. NHS clinicians and charities will explain confidentiality and its limits, including situations where they may need to share information to protect you or someone else.
If you can do so safely, try to preserve clothing, messages, photos, call logs, or any items related to the assault. Avoid washing, changing clothes, eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth before a forensic exam if the assault was recent, but only if it is safe and you are comfortable doing so.
It is best to seek help as soon as you can, especially if you want medical care or forensic evidence collection. Even if some time has passed, you can still report and access support from police, the NHS, and charities.
Medical help may include a sexual assault forensic examination, treatment for injuries, emergency contraception, STI testing, HIV post-exposure prophylaxis in some cases, and follow-up care. NHS staff can explain what is available and what is appropriate for your situation.
Yes, police or specialist support services may refer you to counselling or therapy through the NHS or a charity. Some charities also offer immediate emotional support, advocacy, and longer-term counselling options.
You can tell the police and support services about your concerns. While a report may lead to an investigation, you can still receive support even if you are unsure about court, and an independent advisor can explain the process and your choices.
Yes, you can ask a trusted person to support you when you contact police, the NHS, or a charity. They may be able to accompany you, help you remember information, or provide emotional support, though you may need to speak for yourself during some parts of the process.
Children and young people can access age-appropriate police support, NHS services, and specialist charities. Safeguarding procedures are in place, and the focus is on safety, medical care, emotional support, and involving trusted adults where appropriate.
Tell the police or support service about your fear as early as possible so they can help with safety planning and protective measures. They can also connect you with charities, advocates, and NHS services that can help you stay safe while deciding next steps.
You can still report and seek support even if the assault happened in the past. Although forensic evidence may no longer be available, police, NHS services, and charities can still help with emotional support, referrals, safeguarding, and information about your options.
In many cases, accessing support should not affect your immigration status or benefits, but circumstances can vary. Specialist charities and legal advice services can help explain any risks, rights, and protections based on your situation.
Police are usually the right contact if you want a criminal investigation or immediate safeguarding response, the NHS is best for medical care and forensic services, and charities can provide confidential emotional and practical support. You can contact one or more of them depending on what you need first.
You can contact the NHS, a sexual violence charity, or a helpline for confidential advice without committing to a formal report. They can explain your options, what support is available, and how to report later if you decide to.
Police may refer you to NHS services or specialist charities, and those services may work together to support your safety, health, and wellbeing. With your consent, they can share relevant information to make sure you receive coordinated care and advocacy.
People often feel relieved, anxious, numb, angry, or overwhelmed after reporting. These reactions are common, and support from the NHS, charities, trusted people, and advocacy services can help you manage the process at your own pace.
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