What to do after rape or sexual assault

Consent

Indeed, despite this growing conversation, pervasive attitudes towards sexual consent mean it's not uncommon for victims to feel disbelieved, or blamed in some way for what's happened to them. Some may even dismiss and diminish their own experiences, or question whether it really constitutes a sexual assault.

If you're in doubt, "sexual assault is any act of physical, psychological, and/or emotional violation of a sexual nature that's inflicted on you without your consent," says Katie Russell from Rape Crisis England & Wales.

"You give your consent when you agree by choice and have the freedom and capacity to make that choice. That means that if you're very drunk, asleep or unconscious, or if you've been threatened, coerced or bullied into saying 'yes' to something, you haven't consented," she explains.

"You have the right to give, take back, or refuse your consent at any time," Russell adds. "Just because you've consensually done something with someone before, or they're your partner, does not mean they can assume you'll consent on another occasion."

Patient picks for Other sexual health

Sexual health

Where to get help for sexual assault

With stories of sexual assault in the media, we appreciate that people may be having to re-confront experiences from their past. Here we share the trusted services that can support you. As difficult as it is to ask for help as a survivor of sexual assault, there are safe spaces to talk, be listened to, ask questions, and gain skills to help you get back to yourself - from emotional support to legal advice.

by Amberley Davis

Sexual health

Sexual assault

This leaflet discusses sexual assault and sexual violence. If you are reading this leaflet it may be that you have experienced sexual violence, or that you are trying to offer support to someone who has experienced sexual violence. This leaflet describes feelings and difficulties survivors of sexual violence may experience. It offers some guidance on how they might help their recovery. It cannot hope to describe the way every survivor will feel. It discusses the things that survivors say have helped them and it tries to answer questions you might have about the physical and psychological effects of rape and sexual violence. It also offers suggestions on where to find support.

by Dr Hayley Willacy, FRCGP

What to do after a sexual assault

If you have been sexually assaulted, Russell says: "The most important thing is to try to be somewhere you feel safe. You might be in shock, so try to stay warm, and see if someone you trust can be with you."

Talking about what's happened can be really helpful, and it's up to you who you're most comfortable opening up to. It could be a friend, relative, or trusted health professional - or you may prefer to contact your local Rape Crisis centre, or call the national Rape Crisis helpline on 0808 802 9999.

Remember, Russell says, that: "Whether or not you want to report to the police is entirely your own decision, and might not feel like something you're ready to think about right now - but, if it's something you're considering, you might want to preserve any forensic evidence."

It's worth remembering that if you do go to the police, the sooner you attend, the greater the chance of getting meaningful forensic evidence.

Likewise, she adds, if you're in need of urgent medical attention, in the UK you should call 999 (or 112 from a mobile), or get yourself to the nearest A&E Department for treatment.

How to access support

Medical, practical, legal and emotional support is available through sexual assault referral centres (SARCs). You can self-refer to these services or, alternatively, you can seek support from the police, your local GP surgery, A&E or sexual health clinic, or a sexual violence charity, and they may refer you if appropriate.

Many SARCs and sexual violence charities also have independent sexual violence advisers (ISVAs) on hand, who are specially trained to offer support and guide you through the aftermath.

Sophie* was referred to her local SARC after reporting her sexual assault to the police. While there, she spoke with a detective and was given a forensic examination. Later, she says: "I went to a sexual health clinic for a few check-ups, and contacted [local organisation] The Bridge, to talk about my feelings with someone on the phone."

Sophie was also assigned an ISVA who, she says, was a great support. "I had a female ISVA who I could talk to, and she came to my home to see me quite a few times," she explains. "I wanted to access some more emotional support too, but the waiting time for counselling was too long, and there was only one support group available, which I couldn't get to."

Sadly, the availability and quality of support can be a bit of a lottery. "The police let me down badly, and I felt I didn't have any support at all from them," says Adele*. "I had to arrange medical care through my GP, and it wasn't until I put a complaint in to the police that I was finally referred to SARC, four weeks after I'd been raped."

Instead, Adele was primarily supported by her parish nurse (the community nurse attached to her local church), and says: "Just having someone there for you is the most important thing. I would never have got through it without her."

Processing the emotional trauma

Whatever you or your loved one decide with regard to medical treatment and reporting the attack to the police, the emotional repercussions of being sexually assaulted can have a huge impact on your life.

"It's such a lonely place to be, surviving after a rape or sexual assault. My advice to anyone in the position I was in is to be brave, stay strong, and give the police as much evidence as you can. Push hard for support, or let friends and family help you if they can, and don't keep your feelings to yourself," says Adele.

"If you can't talk, writing about how you feel can really help," she adds. "Don't blame yourself, and don't let the person who hurt you ruin your life. It is so easy to do when you feel so alone with it all, but you're worth more than what has happened to you."

Many people, including Sophie, also find self-help techniques useful, like practising mindfulness, grounding or relaxation techniques, and breathing exercises.

Whatever works for you, the key advice from Rape Crisis is: try to remember that this was not your fault. "You might feel numb, angry, emotional, confused … However you feel is OK, real and valid," Russell says. "There's no right or wrong when it comes to your feelings, but you are not responsible for other people's behaviour, and you are not alone."

Supporting a loved one

If you're supporting a loved one who's been sexually assaulted, Russell adds: "The number one thing is to listen and believe. Don't ask a lot of questions, as this can come across as disbelieving or judging them, and try not to pressure them into taking any specific course of action."

Visit Rape Crisis for more information and advice about supporting a loved one who has been raped or assaulted.

You may find our Sexual Assault leaflet useful too.

* Names have been changed to protect identities.