I was raped or sexually assaulted more than 10 days ago
The most important thing after an assault is that you are safe. If you think you are in any danger at all, it is very important that you call the police if it is safe to use your phone. They will make sure that you are safe from harm. Call 999 straight away (for textphone, dial 18000) if you think you are in any danger and ask for the police. If you have been injured, tell the police when you speak to them and they will make sure you get the treatment you need.
If you have been sexually abused some time in the past, however long ago it was, we are here to help and support you. It is never too late to get support following a rape or sexual assault. If the incident of abuse was more than 10 days ago, you can still call us any time, day or night, so we can give you the help and support you need. Call us on 0800 183 0023.
No matter what time you call us, the person you speak to will be experienced in helping children and young people get the support they need. If the incident happened more than 10 days ago, we will arrange for you to be brought to our centre at a time you tell us that suits you – within 5 days in most cases and sometimes on the same day – so we can look after you.
If more than 10 days has passed since the incident, you may have had some time to reflect on what has happened to you. You may have only just realised how serious the incident was after a period of confusion. You might feel alone, scared, or even guilty. All reactions to such an incident are completely normal. But we can’t give you the support that you need until you call us, so please get in contact if you are a young person under the age of 18 who has been sexually abused at any time in the past.
After you speak to us
If we are sure you are in no immediate danger, we will arrange for you to come and see us at one of our centres at some time in the next 5 days after we speak to you on the phone, sometimes on the same day that you call. We will discuss with you over the phone when would be the best for you to visit so we can arrange an appointment to suit you. If we advise you over the phone that you may require a medical and forensic examination, you may be asked to bring some things with you to help with any possible investigation into your abuse. You also may have read our information about what to do before coming to visit us shortly after your incident occurred but decided not to contact us straight away. Please do not worry, but we may ask you to do some of the following:
- Bring along any clothing or bedding from the time of the incident if you can (even if it has been washed as it may still contain evidence)
- If you have saved a sample of urine from after the incident, bring this with you
- If you have kept any toilet tissue, sanitary towels or tampons from near the time of the incident, bring these with you
- If you have anything that your abuser may have come into contact with, bring this along. This may include: cigarette ends; cups/straws they drank from; items of their clothing; jewellery; chewing gum
- If you have kept any condoms used in the incident, bring these with you
- If you have anything that gives some evidence of the incident, such as photographs of injuries on your phone, remember to bring these
Remember: Your safety is the most important thing. If it will put you in danger to take any of these steps, don’t do it. Either contact the police or follow the advice we have given you over the phone.
You can find out what happens when you arrive at our centre by clicking the box below.
Information for Children Under 13
We’ve written a guide for children under the age of 13 which explains what happens when you come to the centre.
The guide is available as a PDF, so you can view it on your computer or print a copy.