If You’ve Recently Been Raped

If it’s just happened, you might wish to go somewhere that feels safe, contact a friend or someone you trust or talk to someone about what’s happened. If you don’t want to tell a friend or family member you can call our helpline on 0300 303 4787, or call the National Rape Crisis line on 0808 802 9999. The most important thing is that you are safe. If you are in danger or need urgent medical attention you can call the police or ambulance service on 999 or go to your nearest Accident & Emergency Department.

It’s completely up to you whether or not you report what’s happened to the police. This is completely your choice. No-one else can or should make that choice for you. We have specialist Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs) at RASAC who can help you make an informed decision by giving you information about what will happen if you report to the Police. Our ISVA’s can support you to report to the police. To make a referral to our ISVA service please call our helpline on 0300 303 4787 or use our online referral form.

If you’re not sure yet whether you want to report to the police but think you might at some point, you can have a forensic medical examination to collect any evidence. This examination will take place at a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) which is a specialist medical facility. The examination will be carried out by a forensic nurse examiner who will collect the necessary forensics. They will discuss fully with you the type of examination that will take place; this can be dependent on the length of time since the incident. If you are an adult, tests/examinations can only be carried out with your consent.

The forensic evidence that is collected may be used in evidence if you report to the police. The West Yorkshire SARC is called the Hazlehurst Centre which is in Leeds. They can store forensic evidence for up to 2 years, so you do not need to make a decision on what you would like to do straight away. More information about the forensic medical examinations can be found on the Hazelhurst Centre Website.

If you do want forensic evidence to be collected, try and go to the SARC or report to the police as soon as you can and within 72 hours if possible. But you can attend the SARC up to 7 days after the incident. If you want forensic evidence to be collected, try not to wash, eat or drink, smoke, change your clothes or brush your teeth. If you do decide to change your clothes, put the ones you were wearing in a clean plastic bag without washing them if you can. Please note: If you are seriously hurt and need immediate medical attention please go to our local A&E department. The forensic nurse examiner from your local SARC can attend the hospital if you are not well enough to attend the SARC.