Remember that if you have been sexually assaulted, it was not your fault. No matter who does it or where it occurs, sexual violence is a crime. Do not hesitate to seek assistance.
There are services abound that assist in cases of sexual assault, rape, or abuse. You can report the abuse anonymously (Crimestoppers) or to the police now or later.
Try not to wash or change your clothes right after an assault straight. Should you choose to notify the police about the assault, this could destroy forensic evidence that is potentially vital.
Sexual assault referral centres (SARCs) offer medical, practical and emotional support to anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted or abused. SARCs have specially trained doctors, nurses and support workers to care for you.
You can get help from a SARC by booking an appointment with your nearest one.
What is sexual assault?
Any sexual act a person did not consent to or was compelled into against their will is considered a sexual assault. It is a type of sexual violence comprising rape (an attack involving penetration of the vagina, anus or mouth) or other sexual offences, including groping, forced kissing, child sexual abuse, or individual torture in a sexual manner.
Sexual violence or assault can happen to anyone of any age.
Consent
Sexual assault is an act that is carried out without a person’s active consent. This means they did not agree to it.
Consent means saying “yes” to what happened.
Consent is not being given when one is drunk, not questioned, says nothing, or answers anything different. Consent is not automatically obtained from being married or in a relationship with someone.
No one under 16 in the UK can consent to any sexual activity with an adult.
Sexual assault is a crime
The individual being sexually attacked often shows no visible injuries or indicators of their attack. It is still a crime; nevertheless, sexual assault can be reported to the police using the same procedures as other crimes.
The Crime Survey for England and Wales for the year ending March 2021 showed that the police recorded 148,114 sexual offences, encompassing rape (55,696 cases) and sexual assault, and also sexual activity with children.
Usually, someone familiar to the victim executes most sexual assaults. This could be a relative, friend, colleague, or partner, past or present. Although the attack could take place anywhere, it usually occurs in the victim’s house or the house of the assailant (the person executing the attack).
Looking for forensic evidence
You are not required to obtain a forensic medical evaluation should you have been sexually attacked. However, if the matter gets to court, it can offer valuable proof. A Doctor can gather DNA and proof of spikes and loose hair as part of medical evidence.
Should you want a forensic medical examination, you can decide at any point. Still, the sooner this starts, the more likely proof can be gathered. If the attack happened more than seven days ago, it is still advisable to get guidance from a SARC or police regarding a forensic medical examination should you wish one.
Usually, the doctor or nurse will get the samples—such as swabs from anywhere you have been kissed, touched, or had something put. Depending on your information regarding the attack, they could take urine and blood samples and occasionally hair. They will also save some clothing and other items (should they provide new garments).
You could ask to perform your swabs. Alternatively, you can have specific samples, like clothes or pee.
The swabs should be taken immediately since forensic evidence will wear off and wash away.
Any forensic medical evidence gathered will be kept at the SARC whether you have decided to call the cops. This gives you time to consider if you wish to disclose the assault.
In some SARCs you can decide to have your samples handled without identifying you (should the assailant have attacked someone else).
If you report the assault to the police
Should you choose to notify the police of a sexual assault, a police officer equipped explicitly in victim support will visit you to ensure you grasp what is happening at every level.
The incident will be under police inquiry. You will be asked to make a statement about what happened (what you say is written down, which you check and sign). You will be given a forensic medical examination. The Crown Prosecution Service will review the police’s findings, including the forensic report, to determine if the matter should go before trial.
To find out more about what’s involved in an investigation and trial, you can:
Talk to an ISVA, supporting police officer or charity such as Rape Crisis
Supporting a victim of sexual assault
Advice for relatives and friends of someone who has been sexually assaulted includes:
- Believe what they’re saying and tell them this.
- Listen to the person, but don’t ask for details of the assault. Please don’t ask them why they didn’t stop it. This can make them feel as though you blame them.
- Offer practical support, such as asking them if they want you to attend appointments.
- Respect their decisions – for example, whether or not they want to report the assault to the police.
- Bear in mind they might not want to be touched. Even a hug might upset them, so ask first. If you’re in a sexual relationship with them, be aware that sex might be frightening, and don’t put pressure on them to have sex.
- Don’t tell them to forget about the assault. It will take time for them to deal with their feelings and emotions. You can help by listening and being patient.
If you’re worried about a child
It could mean the difference between life and death for the child, so please do report it.
The UK Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) will act on reports of safeguarding concerns of a child; this could be neglect, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, etc.
You can also talk to someone from the MASH, a social worker or the police. You don’t have to give your name.
You can find the number of your local MASH if you search online for MASH in your area.
You can see a long list of support resources and links, a NSPCC FAQ, and a more specific support section for survivors with Autism and ADHD.