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Immediate first steps
If you want to report a sexual offence to the police today, your first step is to get to a safe place. If you are in immediate danger, call 999 now. If you are not in immediate danger, you can still call 101 or go to a local police station.
Try to avoid washing, changing clothes, or cleaning anything if you think there may be forensic evidence. If you have already done these things, do not worry, as you can still report the offence. The police can explain what to do next.
Get support before or alongside reporting
You do not have to make the report alone. If you can, contact someone you trust to stay with you or help you speak to the police. Many people find it easier to have a friend, family member, or support worker with them.
You can also contact a Sexual Assault Referral Centre, often called a SARC. SARCs offer medical care, forensic examination, and support, even if you are not ready to speak to the police straight away. They can help you understand your options.
What to tell the police
When you make the report, tell the police as much as you can remember, even if it feels incomplete. You can explain what happened, when and where it happened, and whether you know the person involved. If you are unsure about any details, it is okay to say so.
Try to mention any injuries, messages, photographs, or other evidence that may help. If there are witnesses, tell the police who they are and how they may be contacted. You do not need to give a perfect account to make a report.
Preserve evidence if possible
If the offence may have happened recently, keep any clothes, bedding, or other items in a paper bag if you can. Avoid putting items in plastic bags, because this can damage evidence. Keep any texts, emails, social media messages, or call logs related to the incident.
If you have not already done so, try not to delete anything from your phone or social media. The police may want to see screenshots or device records. If you are unsure, ask the officer what to keep.
What happens after you report
The police should take your report seriously and explain the next steps clearly. They may ask for a statement, arrange a specialist officer, or refer you for medical or forensic support. You can ask for an interpreter or adjustments if you need them.
You may not have to give a full statement immediately, especially if you are distressed. You can ask for a break, a support person, or a female or male officer if that would help you feel safer. If you want updates, ask for the officer’s name and reference number.
Remember your choices and rights
Reporting a sexual offence is your decision, and you can ask questions before you agree to anything. You do not need to prove what happened in order to speak to the police. Support services are available whether or not you decide to continue with a formal investigation.
If you need immediate confidential support in the UK, you can contact Rape Crisis or the NHS for advice about local services. If you are unsure about reporting today, you can still get help first and decide later. The most important thing is your safety and wellbeing.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are in immediate danger, call 999 straight away. If you can do so safely, move to a public place or someone you trust. Police can help protect you and get you medical support as quickly as possible.
You can report by calling 999 in an emergency, 101 for a non-emergency, attending a police station, or using the police online reporting options where available. If you want, you can also ask for a specialist officer or sexual offences support service.
Try not to wash, shower, brush your teeth, change clothes, or clean the area if you can avoid it. If you have changed clothes, keep them in a clean paper bag if possible. Evidence can still be helpful even if some time has passed.
You can give information anonymously to Crimestoppers or ask the police about anonymous disclosure options, but a formal police investigation usually needs some contact details. You can still speak to police discreetly about your options without committing to a full report immediately.
The police will record the report, ask what happened, and discuss urgent safety or medical needs. They may arrange a specialist officer, forensic examination, safeguarding support, and next steps such as taking a statement or gathering evidence.
A medical or forensic examination can help look after your health and preserve evidence, but it is your choice. The police can explain your options and refer you to a Sexual Assault Referral Centre or hospital service.
Yes. Sexual Assault Referral Centres, often called SARCs, can provide medical care, forensic examination, and confidential emotional support. In many cases you can access a SARC even if you are unsure whether you want to make a full police report.
Usually yes, at some stage the police will ask for a statement so they can understand what happened. You can ask for breaks, support, and a specialist officer while giving it, and you can explain if you are struggling to remember details.
It is best to report as soon as you feel able, because evidence is easier to preserve. However, you can report later too. Even if a long time has passed, the police may still be able to investigate and support you.
You should still report what you know, including where, when, what the person looked like, any vehicle details, messages, social media accounts, or witnesses. Police can investigate even if you do not know the offender's name.
Yes. Historic sexual offences can still be reported to the UK police. The police will record the account, assess any evidence or witnesses, and explain what may be possible given the time that has passed.
Children and young people can be supported by specially trained police officers, safeguarding services, and health professionals. A trusted adult, advocate, or specialist service may also be involved to help them feel safe and understood.
Yes. Online sexual offences, including threats, image-based abuse, grooming, and sexual messages, can be reported to the police. Save screenshots, usernames, links, dates, and any messages if it is safe to do so.
Keep any messages, images, emails, usernames, call logs, or screenshots if they are relevant. Do not forward or share explicit material unless instructed by police. Save copies securely and avoid deleting evidence if possible.
Yes, you can usually bring a trusted friend, family member, support worker, or advocate if you want. The police can also arrange a specialist support person in some situations.
The police will handle your report as sensitively as possible and share information only where necessary for the investigation, safeguarding, or legal process. You can ask what will happen to your information and who may see it.
Police officers and support services should treat you with respect and not blame you. If you are worried, you can ask for a specialist officer, support service, or advocate to help you through the process.
Yes. Being intoxicated does not prevent you from reporting. Tell the police what you remember and, if relevant, mention any concerns about memory, consent, or vulnerability so they can respond appropriately.
Keep clothing, bedding, messages, photos, videos, call logs, travel details, witness names, and any notes about what happened or when. If possible, write down everything you remember as soon as you can.
You can contact a Sexual Assault Referral Centre, victim support services, Rape Crisis, NHS services, or other local support organisations. The police can usually signpost you to specialist help and safeguarding services.
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