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Immediate first steps
If the offender is someone you know, the first step is to focus on your immediate safety. If you are in danger right now, call 999 and ask for the police.
If you cannot speak, you can use the Silent Solution system by pressing 55 when prompted. If you are not in immediate danger, try to get to a place where you feel safe and contact someone you trust.
Decide who to tell first
You do not have to report a sexual offence straight away, and you do not have to tell the person involved. Many people start by talking to a trusted friend, family member, GP, or support service.
You may find it helpful to speak to a specialist sexual violence support service before making a police report. They can explain your options and help you think through what feels safest for you.
Reporting to the police in the UK
You can report a sexual offence to your local police station, by calling 101, or through the police website in your area. If the offence is recent, the police may encourage you to contact them as soon as possible.
Try to avoid washing, changing clothes, or cleaning the area if you want to preserve evidence, but do not worry if you already have. You can still report, and the police will explain what happens next.
If the offender is someone you know
It is common to feel confused, scared, or worried about being believed when the person is familiar to you. Knowing the offender does not make the offence any less serious.
You can tell the police as much or as little as you are ready to share. If you are worried about seeing the person again, mention this clearly so the police can consider safeguarding steps.
What to expect after reporting
The police may take a statement and ask questions about what happened, when, and where. They may also ask about texts, calls, social media messages, or any witnesses who could help.
You may be offered a forensic medical examination at a Sexual Assault Referral Centre, often called a SARC. These centres can provide medical care, emotional support, and help with collecting evidence.
Support for you
You do not need to go through this alone. Independent sexual violence advisers, NHS services, and charities such as Rape Crisis can offer confidential support.
If you are in England or Wales, you can contact Rape Crisis on 0808 500 2222. If you are in Scotland or Northern Ireland, local specialist services can also help you understand your options and support you at your own pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are in immediate danger, call 999. If not, you can contact the police on 101, report online where available, or go to a police station. You can also seek support from a sexual assault referral centre, a GP, or a specialist support service. If possible, write down what happened, save messages or images, and note dates, times, and places.
You can report by calling 999 in an emergency, 101 for non-emergencies, using online police reporting where available, or attending a police station in person. Tell the police the offender is known to you, give as much detail as you can, and ask about next steps and support.
After reporting, try to keep any evidence safe, avoid deleting messages or social media content, and follow police advice. You may be contacted for a statement or interview. Seek medical support if needed and consider specialist counselling or advocacy services.
The police, sexual assault referral centres, independent sexual violence advisers, GPs, emergency departments, and specialist charities can help. If the offender is known to you, an adviser can explain options for safety planning, evidence gathering, and the reporting process.
Keep messages, emails, call logs, photos, screenshots, voicemails, clothing, and any notes about what happened. Do not wash items if you may want forensic evidence. Write down dates, times, locations, witnesses, and anything the offender said or did.
You can share information anonymously with some support organisations, but a full police investigation usually needs your identity and statement. Some services can help you understand options before you decide whether to give your details.
Police may take an initial account, open an investigation, gather evidence, speak to witnesses, and interview the suspect if appropriate. They may refer you to support services and explain bail, protection, or safeguarding steps if needed.
There is no single short deadline for many sexual offences, but reporting sooner can help preserve evidence and memory. Even if time has passed, you can still report. A specialist adviser or solicitor can explain any time limits that may apply to your situation.
Say what happened in your own words, when and where it happened, how you know the offender, whether there were witnesses, and whether there is any evidence like messages or photos. It is okay if you cannot remember everything exactly.
Yes, you can report regardless of your relationship to the offender. Being known to the offender does not prevent a report. Police and support services can also help with safety planning if there is ongoing contact or risk.
You can seek medical help at any time, and it is often important to do so. If you may want forensic evidence, try not to shower, change clothes, or wash items first if possible, but get urgent medical care immediately if needed.
Yes, you can still report. Being intoxicated does not stop you from making a report, and police should treat you respectfully. If needed, ask a trusted person or support worker to stay with you while you report.
Support may include an independent sexual violence adviser, counselling, medical care, crisis support, safety planning, and help with the criminal justice process. You can ask the police or a specialist charity to connect you with services.
Tell the police if you fear contact or retaliation. Keep records of any threats or unwanted contact, review phone and social media privacy settings, and consider a safety plan with a support service. If you are in immediate danger, call 999.
Yes. Many sexual offences do not leave visible injuries. A report can still be made based on your account, messages, witnesses, or other evidence. You do not need to prove injury before contacting the police.
You can still report and ask the police to explain the process. They may assess the information, speak with you about evidence, and decide whether to investigate. A support service can help you understand options before and after reporting.
Tell a trusted adult, teacher, social worker, doctor, or the police as soon as you can. You can also contact specialist child support services. If you are in immediate danger, call 999. Safeguarding steps can be arranged to protect you.
Yes, you can ask for preferences such as a female officer, an interpreter, or communication support. The police will try to accommodate reasonable requests so you can give your report as comfortably and clearly as possible.
Your report is handled confidentially within the criminal justice process, but information may be shared with relevant professionals for investigation, safeguarding, or legal reasons. The police and support services should explain how your information will be used.
A solicitor experienced in criminal law or sexual offence cases can explain your options, help you understand the process, and advise on your rights. Specialist victim support services can also help you access legal information and practical guidance.
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