Reporting rape and sexual assault
If you, or someone you know, is in danger or in an emergency always call 999 otherwise you can contact the police on 101.
Police call handlers are experienced in supporting people and understand how difficult these situations can be. If you do decide to report rape or sexual assault you will be supported every step of the way.
You can also contact the police online by completing a secure Report a Crime or Incident Form. Below is a guide to what you can expect to happen once you have reported an incident to the police.
Making a statement
After the first account has been taken, over the next few days the officer will help you make a detailed statement or conduct a video interview about what has happened. They will try to get enough information so that you won’t need to be interviewed again. In some cases the interview may be delayed until you’re physically and emotionally strong enough to go ahead.
The Court process
Going to court can be a daunting prospect if you have been a victim of rape or sexual assault but you will be supported by the police, the Crown Prosecution Service and your Independent Sexual Violence Advisor.
The court will allocate a Witness Care Officer who will also offer you help and advice. They will be able to assist with practical arrangements to get you to court, including helping to arrange transport, childcare and time off work.
The Witness Service
The Witness Service is run by Victim Support, a voluntary organisation. It helps witnesses cope with going to court by giving them information and support. Family and friends who are attending court can get help too, as well as children. It works with both prosecution and defence witnesses.
Visiting the court beforehand
Your Witness Care Officer will put you in touch with the Witness Service who will arrange a court visit for you. This can take place in advance or on the day of the trial. The Witness Service volunteer or court usher will give you a tour of the court which includes the court room, witness suite and the court facilities. They can also tell you how any special measures work (if these are required).
Giving evidence in court
When the court is ready for you to give your evidence, you will be shown to the witness box. You will be asked to take the oath and swear to tell the truth. You are only allowed to refresh your memory and see your statement on the day of the trial, before you go into the court.
Special Measures
Your Witness Care Officer will discuss your individual needs with you. Some witnesses find the process of giving evidence in court particularly difficult or daunting and may be allowed Special Measures to help them give their evidence in the best possible way.
Special Measures are not available to everyone but will be offered to victims and witnesses who are particularly vulnerable.
Your Witness Care Officer will explain these fully, however, the most common ones used are:
- A video link from the witness suite or remote location so you do not have to give evidence in the courtroom
- Screens so the accused cannot see you
- Interpreter for those with language difficulties
- Intermediaries are available for witnesses who may need assistance understanding the process and communicating evidence – for example young children or someone with learning or communication difficulties.
Anonymity
Many victims are worried that people will find out what happened to them. This is not the case, the law protects you and gives you anonymity for the rest of your life.This means that no information, such as your name, address, where you work, who your family and friends are, can be published by the media or on social media.
Detective Inspector Louise Boyce from Avon and Somerset Police explains what happens when you first call the police:
“No-one can decide what’s right for you, but if you decide to make a report, we’ll make sure you receive the best possible care and support. Your welfare is our priority and we have specially trained officers working around the clock to offer advice and support.
“You may find it frightening or feel the time is not right but the sooner it’s reported, the sooner we can obtain crucial evidence that could help us identify and bring the offender to justice.
“When you first contact the police, someone will stay on the phone with you until a specialist officer arrives. When they arrive, they will take a first account of events. You may be asked to give a mouth swab and a urine sample and they’ll work with Independent Sexual Violence Advisors, counsellors, nurses and staff at The Bridge or other centres to ensure you are receiving all the care you require.
“Talking about what’s happened can often be one of the hardest things those who’ve been raped or sexually assaulted have to do. I’d like to reassure people that our experienced officers are trained to put you at ease, will be open, honest and do their best to minimise trauma and offer support for as long as you would like, even if you eventually decide not to support the police prosecution.
“Please remember there’s no justification for rape, so do not think you are to blame. Whatever the situation – whatever your relationship with the person, wherever you were, whatever you were wearing or whatever you were drinking or taking – you did not ask to be raped or sexually assaulted and it wasn’t your fault.”