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Immediate emotional support after reporting
If you have reported a sexual offence, it is normal to feel overwhelmed, numb, angry, frightened, or unsure what to do next. Support is available straight away, even if you are not ready to talk in detail.
You do not have to manage this alone. A trusted friend, family member, or partner can stay with you, help you make calls, or simply sit with you while you process what has happened.
Specialist support services
In the UK, Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) can provide practical and emotional support after a sexual offence. They offer confidential care and can help whether or not you choose to involve the police.
SARCs may arrange counselling, medical support, and an independent sexual violence adviser, often called an ISVA. An ISVA can explain your options, help with appointments, and support you through the criminal justice process.
Talking to a helpline or support charity
There are national and local helplines that offer confidential emotional support. Rape Crisis centres in England and Wales, Rape Crisis Scotland, and The Rowan in Northern Ireland can provide listening support and advice.
These services can help you feel less isolated and can talk through what might happen next. Some can also guide you towards counselling or advocacy in your local area.
Counselling and trauma support
You may be offered counselling through specialist sexual violence services, your GP, or a local mental health service. Counselling can help you manage distress, sleep problems, flashbacks, and anxiety after reporting.
It is okay if you are not ready for counselling immediately. Some people prefer to wait until the first shock has passed, while others find early support helpful.
Support from the police and criminal justice system
If you have reported to the police, you can ask for updates in a way that feels manageable for you. Many forces have trained officers or specialist units who understand trauma and can communicate more sensitively.
You can ask for adjustments, such as a same-gender officer where possible, a support person present, or breaks during interviews. These small changes can make the process feel safer and more controlled.
Looking after yourself in the first days
After reporting, try to focus on basic needs such as sleep, food, water, and rest. Emotional recovery often starts with small steps and gentle routines.
If you feel in immediate danger or unable to cope, seek urgent help from emergency services or a crisis mental health line. If you are not in immediate danger, contacting a helpline or SARC can be a good first step toward support.
Frequently Asked Questions
The first steps are to focus on immediate safety, contact someone you trust, and ask for specialist support. In the UK, you can speak to your GP, a Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Rape Crisis, Victim Support, or your local NHS mental health service. If you feel in danger or at immediate risk, call 999.
You can contact specialist sexual violence services, Rape Crisis, Victim Support, a Sexual Assault Referral Centre, your GP, or NHS mental health services. If you are under 18, Children’s Social Care or a specialist children’s service can also help. In an emergency, call 999.
You can seek support straight away, even if the report has only just been made. There is no need to wait until the police process is further along. Early support can help with shock, anxiety, sleep problems, and feeling overwhelmed.
Common reactions include shock, numbness, fear, anger, shame, guilt, confusion, panic, low mood, nightmares, flashbacks, trouble sleeping, and difficulty concentrating. These are understandable responses to trauma, and support can help you manage them.
Yes. Many support services are free, including Rape Crisis, Victim Support, Sexual Assault Referral Centres, and NHS services. Availability can vary by area, but you should not assume you must pay for help.
Sexual Assault Referral Centres can provide specialist support, advocacy, and counselling referrals alongside medical care and forensic services. They are used to helping people who have recently reported or are considering reporting a sexual offence.
Yes, you can usually ask for the gender of the worker or supporter you feel most comfortable with. Services will try to meet your preference where possible, although this may depend on local staffing.
It is common to feel worse at times after reporting because talking about the offence can bring up strong emotions and memories. Tell the support service or your GP, and ask for trauma-informed support. If you feel unable to keep yourself safe, call 999 or go to A&E.
Yes, Victim Support can provide emotional support, practical information, and help you understand the criminal justice process. They can also help you cope with the impact of the report on your daily life.
No, you do not have to share more than you want to. Good support should let you set the pace and choose what to talk about. You can say when you need a break or when you do not want to answer a question.
Yes, your GP can discuss symptoms such as anxiety, depression, sleep problems, or panic and refer you to counselling or mental health services. They can also note trauma-related health concerns and help coordinate further care.
Most support services keep what you tell them confidential, with limits if they think you or someone else is at serious risk, or if a child or vulnerable person may be at risk. You can ask any service to explain their confidentiality policy before you share details.
Yes, you can still access emotional support even if you have only shared part of what happened with the police. Support services are there to help you cope, not to judge how much you have reported.
Men can access the same kinds of specialist support, including Rape Crisis-style services where available, Victim Support, SARCs, NHS talking therapies, and helplines. Some organisations offer services specifically for men and boys.
Children and young people can access specialist sexual violence services, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, school safeguarding support, and age-appropriate advocacy. A trusted adult, GP, or school safeguarding lead can help make referrals.
Yes, you can still seek emotional support even if you are unsure about continuing with the police process. Support services can help you understand your options without pressuring you to make a decision.
Try grounding techniques, regular meals, sleep routines, limited alcohol and drugs, and staying near trusted people. Breathing exercises, writing down concerns, and using crisis lines or helplines can also help while you wait.
Yes. Rape Crisis national helplines, Victim Support, Samaritans, and local sexual violence services can all be options depending on your needs. If you are in immediate danger, call 999.
Yes, in many situations you can ask a trusted friend, family member, advocate, or support worker to come with you. This may help you feel safer and more able to cope during meetings or appointments.
If you feel unsafe, contact emergency services on 999, go to a safe place, and tell the police or your support service as soon as possible. You can also ask a specialist service to help you make a safety plan and arrange urgent emotional support.
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