How do I report rape or sexual assault in the UK?

If you are in immediate danger, call 999. If you can, get to a safe place and contact the police, a sexual assault referral centre (SARC), or a trusted person. You do not have to report straight away, and you can also get medical care and support before deciding whether to make a formal report.

You can report rape or sexual assault in the UK by calling 999 in an emergency, 101 for non-emergencies, visiting a police station, or contacting the police online where available. You can also ask a trusted person or support service to help you make the report.

Yes, you may be able to seek advice or disclose information anonymously through some support services, but a formal police investigation usually requires your identity. If you are unsure, a sexual assault referral centre or specialist support service can explain your options confidentially.

No, you do not have to report rape or sexual assault in the UK immediately. You can take time to get support, medical care, and advice first. However, if evidence may be important, try to avoid washing, changing clothes, or cleaning the area before medical or forensic examination if you feel able to do so.

Yes, you can report rape or sexual assault in the UK even if it happened a long time ago. There is no time limit for many serious sexual offences, although the investigation may be more difficult if evidence or witnesses are harder to find.

Yes, you can contact a sexual assault referral centre, a rape crisis service, a GP, A&E, or a helpline before deciding whether to contact the police. These services can provide care, support, and explain what happens if you choose to report later.

If possible, keep any clothing worn during the incident, messages, emails, photos, screenshots, call logs, and details of where and when the incident happened. Try not to wash or delete anything that might be useful. If you have already cleaned up, you can still report and seek support.

You do not have to have a medical examination, but it can help with your health and with collecting forensic evidence. A sexual assault referral centre or hospital can explain the process, and you can usually choose whether to have the exam and whether evidence is stored for later.

After you report rape or sexual assault in the UK, the police may take your statement, gather evidence, and assign trained officers. You may be offered a specialist interview, medical care, and support services. The investigation process can take time, and you can ask about updates and support throughout.

Yes, you can report rape or sexual assault in the UK even if the offender is a partner, ex-partner, family member, friend, or someone else you know. Abuse by someone you know is still a crime, and support services can help with safety planning as well as reporting.

Yes, you can report rape or sexual assault in the UK even if you had been drinking or using drugs. Being intoxicated does not make it your fault and does not prevent you from reporting. Support services and police should treat your report seriously.

Yes, a child can report rape or sexual assault in the UK. A parent, guardian, teacher, social worker, doctor, or police officer can help. Child protection procedures may be used, and specialist services for children and young people can provide support.

Yes, you can get support for rape or sexual assault in the UK without reporting to the police. Sexual assault referral centres, rape crisis centres, the NHS, and helplines can offer confidential support, medical help, and advice about your options.

A Sexual Assault Referral Centre in the UK is a specialist service that offers medical care, forensic examinations, emotional support, and advice after rape or sexual assault. You can usually use a SARC whether or not you choose to report to the police.

Every report should be taken seriously and investigated properly. You may be asked questions to understand what happened and gather evidence, but a lack of physical injuries or delayed reporting does not mean your report is untrue. Specialist support services can help you through the process.

You may still be able to report rape or sexual assault in the UK if it happened abroad, especially if the offender is in the UK or if UK authorities can assist. Police or specialist support services can advise you on the best place to report and what evidence may be needed.

You can tell the police that you do not want to continue, but they may still investigate depending on the circumstances. If you are worried about safety or pressure from others, speak to the police or a support service before making any decisions.

Support after you report rape or sexual assault in the UK can include counselling, advocacy, medical care, court support, safety planning, and help with housing or benefits in some cases. A sexual assault referral centre, rape crisis service, NHS service, or police victim support team can guide you.

Yes, you can report rape or sexual assault in the UK if you are not a UK citizen. Your immigration status should not stop you from getting help, medical care, or making a report. Specialist services can also explain confidentiality and practical support.

If you are scared of retaliation, contact the police, a sexual assault referral centre, or a specialist support service as soon as you can and explain your safety concerns. They can help with protective measures, safety planning, and advice about how to report as safely as possible.