Rape: Reporting to the police
Only you can decide whether you want to report the matter to the police. We hope that you do so we can give you all the support and help we can. You can report either by attending your local police station or by calling your local station on 0845 113 5000. If it is an emergency please call 999.
If you do decide to make a complaint, you will be dealt with sensitively and courteously. If at any time you do not understand what is happening please tell us so that we can fully explain. It may help to be accompanied by a relative or a friend whilst you make the complaint,for extra support.
We have specially trained officers (STOs) who understand the trauma of sexual assaults. The officer will need to talk to you about the assault and,depending on how recently you were assaulted,we may suggest that you are examined by a doctor. This is to ensure you get any treatment you need and for gathering evidence.
Important first steps
The police role is to investigate the attack on you.
Initially we will want to know brief details of the assault:
- When and where it took place
- Your name, age and address
- A description of the person who assaulted you so that it can be passed onto police officers patrol
As part of the initial investigation depending on when the assault took place, you may be asked to provide a urine sample and a mouth swab. This does not replace the full medical examination but helps us to preserve important evidence.
It is important to tell us if you have washed or changed and it will help if you can give us the clothes you were wearing at the time you were attacked.
Our duty of care
Whether you are male or female, if you are the victim of a serious assault we will:
- Be kind, sensitive and courteous
- Speak to you in a way you can understand
- Make you as comfortable as possible
- Appoint an experienced police officer who will diligently investigate the offence against you.
- Appoint a male or female specially trained officer (STO), whichever you prefer, to support you.
The officer will be sympathetic, discreet, tactful and will:
- Tell you, as far as possible, what is happening and what will happen next
- Contact a support group for you, if that is what you would like
- Make contact with an ISVA (Independent Sexual Violence Advisor) for support and guidance
- Make a hospital appointment for you, if you want one
- Arrange for emergency accommodation if it is not safe to return home.