Rape and sexual assault

About

If you have been sexually assaulted or raped, it’s important that you are seen as soon as possible for physical and/or emotional support. This is not your fault and you are not alone. It can happen to anyone regardless of age, gender, class or background. There are lots of people and organisations that can help you.

You first need to make sure that you’re in a place where you feel safe. This might be in the home of a close friend or family member. If you can, consider telling someone you trust what happened. You shouldn’t feel ashamed or that this is your fault. There are also lots of organisations with trained staff who can help you.

Where to get help

You should seek medical support after rape or sexual assault as you may have injuries that need treatment. You should also get guidance on emergency contraception and sexually transmitted infections. If you need urgent medical care or attention, call 999 (or 112 from a mobile) and ask for an ambulance or go straight to your nearest Accident & Emergency department.

There are lots of places where you can get care and support. We advise you to go to a Sexual Assault and Referral Centre (SARC) first if there is one near to you. They will give you immediate treatment and care and offer you the specialist support and follow ups you need. You can find your nearest SARC using the NHS Choices SARC finder tool. If your local sexual health service is run by Virgin Care, we’ve provided details of your nearest SARC below.

You can also get help and support from:

• Sexual health clinics like those run by Virgin Care, which provide advice, support, emergency contraception and sexual health screening. If there is a Virgin Care service near you and you would prefer to see one of our clinicians, you book yourself online now or find your nearest sexual health service using the NHS clinic finder tool.
• Brook Advisory Centres for young people
• Your GP
• If you have any care and/or support needs you may also be able to access advocacy services to help support your decision making. Please contact your local council for information

None of these organisations will make you report the assault to the police unless you want to. All doctors and nurses will maintain your confidentiality. They will not inform the police without your consent. However, your GP/local doctor will have to record your tests and results in your medical records.

Urgent medical care and support

Call 999 (or 112 from a mobile) and ask for an ambulance or go straight to your nearest Accident & Emergency department.

Reporting rape or sexual assault to the police

If you would like to report this to the police, we advise you do this by calling 101 (or 999 in an emergency). If you prefer not to contact the police, you can still access support from the SARC. You should also tell a doctor or nurse so that they can arrange for some forensic swabs to be taken that could be used as evidence.

SARCs local to Virgin Care sexual health services

North & North East Lincolnshire SARC

CASA Suite
810a Hessle Road, Hull, HU4 6RD
01472 305037
www.casasuite.org/

Oldham, Bury & Rochdale SARC

St Mary’s Centre
St. Mary’s Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL
0161 2766515 (open 24/7)
www.stmaryscentre.org

Teesside SARC

Helen Britton House
13 Trinity Mews, North Ormesby Health Village, Middlesbrough, TS3 6AL
01642 516888 (open 24/7)
www.sarcteesside.co.uk/

Cheshire West and Chester SARC

St Mary’s Centre
St. Mary’s Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL
0161 2766515 (open 24/7)
www.stmaryscentre.org

Useful links

• Hollie Guard is a free personal safety app that allows you to track your journeys and set off an alarm if you’re not feeling safe to alert a registered person. Visit the Hollie Guard website to find out more and access links to download.