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It happened recently
Have you been raped, sexually assaulted or sexually abused recently? We're here for you.
If this has just happened to you, you might be experiencing lots of different feelings. Many people feel scared, numb, shocked, confused, or angry. There is no right or wrong way to feel or be.
If something has just happened to you, you might want to:
- Try to get somewhere that feels safe.
- Try to stay warm (you could be in shock).
- See if a friend or someone you trust can be with you.
- Talk to someone about what's happened.
- If you don't feel like telling a friend or family member yet, talk to us at Rape Crisis.
If you're thinking of reporting to the police
It's completely up to you whether or not to report to the police. No-one else can or should make that choice for you.
If you do report, a medical examination will usually be carried out to collect any forensic evidence. This is evidence that can be gathered through scientific tests, like DNA from hair or body fluids.
If you’re not sure yet whether you want to report to the police but think you might at some point, you can have a forensic medical examination at your nearest Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC). Here, forensic evidence can be stored for future.
If you want forensic evidence to be collected, try not to:
- eat or drink
- smoke
- wash
- brush your teeth
- change your clothes
- clean up the place where it happened
This is to preserve as much evidence as possible.
If you have already done some of these things, don't worry. There might still be forensic evidence to collect.
If you do decide to change your clothes, put the ones you were wearing in a clean plastic bag without washing them if you can.
Your health
It might be very difficult to think about straight away but if you've been raped, you could be at risk of sexually transmitted Infections (STIs) or pregnancy.
We can support you with this. We're here to listen.
Getting support
Your local Rape Crisis Centre might be able to support you if you want to visit a SARC or report to the police.
You can also speak to us.