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I’ve been raped - what should I do now?
If I report it to the police, what will happen?
If I report it to the police later, what will happen?
Where else can I look up information?
How can I help?
I’ve been raped - what should I do?
If you have been raped or sexually assaulted call us on 01256 423 890. We can give you information or support.
The decision on whether you report an attack to the police is yours. Whatever your decision we will support you.
Whether or not you report to the police see a doctor to check for any injury, sexually transmitted disease, HIV, pregnancy.
If you decide to report to the police soon after an attack
- Report as soon as possible - delay may go against your case.
- If at all possible tell someone what has happened to you as soon as you can - a witness to your distress and early complaint can help.
- Do not wash or tidy yourself or change your clothes, you may destroy medical evidence
- Do not take alcohol or drugs.
- Call us or call a friend so that someone can give you support during police and medical procedures.
- Take a change of clothing with you - the police may keep some or all of your clothes for tests and evidence.
- Make notes about the rape if you can. It will help you with your statement. Important things to remember are the details and sequence of events and what was said.
Talk to someone about what has happened - you need a friend at this time; or you can call us on 01256 423890, or you can contact us via email: admin@brasacc.com
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If I report it to the police later, what will happen?
If you decide some time after an attack, (weeks, months or even years), to report the incident(s), the police will still take a statement from you. Although there may be no forensic evidence available, that does not mean that a case cannot be brought against an individual.
You may have to answer questions as to why you have waited a long time to report the incident. If you told anyone else at the time, they may be asked to give a statement. Your statement will be taken, and the police should keep you in touch with their investigation. You may wish to ask someone to come with you to the police station, and you can ask to speak to a woman police officer or a police officer trained in dealing with incidents of sexual abuse. In this case, you may have to wait for an appropriate officer to be available.
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