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What to have ready before you call
If you are reporting a sexual offence in the UK, it can help to gather a few key details before you contact the police. You do not need to have everything perfect, and you can still report if you are unsure about parts of what happened.
Try to note the basic facts: when and where the incident happened, who was involved, and what happened in the order you remember it. If you have an approximate time or location, that is still useful.
Details about the person involved
If you know the suspect, be ready to give their name, nickname, address, phone number, or where they may be found. If you do not know them, share anything you remember about their appearance, clothing, accent, vehicle, or online profile.
Even small details can help, such as tattoos, scars, height, build, or whether they were alone or with others. If the person contacted you online, note usernames, phone numbers, email addresses, or app names.
What happened and how you remember it
Prepare a short account of the incident in your own words. Focus on what happened before, during, and after, including any threats, force, pressure, alcohol or drugs, and whether you were able to consent.
You may find it helpful to write down your memory beforehand, but do not worry if it is not complete. Police understand that trauma can affect memory, and they may ask you to explain things slowly.
Evidence that may matter
Think about any messages, photos, videos, call logs, social media posts, or emails linked to the offence. Do not delete anything, even if it feels upsetting, as it may be important evidence.
If there were witnesses, try to note their names and contact details. You can also mention CCTV, location history, taxi records, or anything else that might help investigators check what happened.
Medical and immediate support information
If you needed medical attention, tell the police what treatment you received and where. If you have not been seen yet, you can still ask about specialist support, including an NHS Sexual Assault Referral Centre.
If you changed clothes, washed, or cleaned the area after the incident, do not worry. Tell the police what you remember doing, because this can help them understand what evidence may still be available.
Practical details and support needs
Have your contact details ready, and think about the safest way for police to reach you. You can also tell them if you need a translator, communication support, or if there are any risks around being contacted.
You do not need to bring a full written statement to make the first report. The main thing is to share enough information to start the process, and the police can help you through the next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are in immediate danger, call 999 straight away. If you are not in immediate danger but need urgent help, call 101 or go to your nearest police station. If possible, move to a safe place and ask someone you trust to stay with you.
You can ask the police about making an anonymous report or speaking without giving your full details at first. The police can explain what information is needed and what options are available, including support from specialist services.
If the offence happened recently, try not to shower, change clothes, wash bedding, or clean the area if you can avoid it, as this may preserve evidence. If you have changed clothes, place them in a clean paper bag if possible. Seek medical help as soon as you can.
It helps to have the time and place of the incident, a description of what happened, any details about the suspect, any messages or calls, and the names of any witnesses. You do not need to remember everything perfectly; you can share what you know.
Yes. You do not need to decide whether it was a crime before contacting the police. You can explain what happened and let the police assess it. If you are unsure, specialist support services can also help you understand your options.
Yes. There is no deadline for reporting a sexual offence, although evidence may be harder to gather over time. You can still make a report whenever you feel ready, and the police can explain the process and support available.
You can ask for a sexual offence liaison officer or specialist support, and you may also contact a Sexual Assault Referral Centre, where available. You can bring a friend, family member, or support worker with you if that helps you feel safer.
Not always. The police may take some initial details first and arrange a longer interview later in a setting that is as comfortable as possible. You can ask for breaks, ask questions, and request support during the process.
The police may ask for clothing, messages, photos, or other items that could help the investigation. They may also arrange forensic examination if appropriate. You should not delete messages or social media evidence if you can avoid it.
Yes. You can still report even if you have showered or changed clothes. Tell the police what you have done, as they can still take your statement and advise on any remaining evidence that may be available.
You can seek medical care for injuries, pregnancy concerns, sexually transmitted infection testing, or emergency contraception. The police can help arrange access to a Sexual Assault Referral Centre or other specialist healthcare support.
Yes. You can usually bring a trusted friend, family member, advocate, or support worker. If you want, you can also ask the police about having an independent sexual violence adviser or similar support person.
The police will handle your report sensitively, but they may need to share information with relevant professionals involved in the investigation or safeguarding. You can ask what will be shared and with whom, and what steps are taken to protect your privacy.
You can still report it, whether the person is a stranger, partner, ex-partner, friend, colleague, or family member. The police can explain options for your safety, including protective measures if needed.
Yes. You can ask for an interpreter when contacting the police. It is important that you understand the process and can explain what happened clearly, so language support should be offered.
If you are under 18, the police should treat your safety and welfare as a priority and arrange appropriate safeguarding support. You can ask a trusted adult or advocate to help you, and specialist child support services may be involved.
In some areas, the police may allow online reporting or initial contact through a website or digital form. For urgent or serious cases, calling 999 or 101 may be more appropriate. The police can tell you the best way to make contact in your area.
You can ask for a break, stop the conversation, or return later. You do not need to provide every detail at once. The police should take the report at a pace that feels manageable for you and can arrange support if needed.
Not necessarily. Reporting does not automatically mean you will go to court. If the case goes forward, the police and Crown Prosecution Service can explain what may happen, and support services can help you understand each stage.
You have the right to be treated with respect, to ask for support, to be kept informed where possible, and to be given help with your safety and wellbeing. You can also ask questions about the investigation and available victim support services.
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