Support for rape and sexual assault
If you've been raped or sexually assaulted, we're here for you. If you're ready to, you can report rape and sexual assault to us online.
But if you don't want to talk to us, or if you want extra support, there are lots of people who can help.
You're in control, and it's up to you who you talk to and what help you get.
You can speak to these people and organisations privately and confidentially, and unless they think someone is in serious danger, they won't share anything with us.
Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs)
A Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) is a place you can go after a rape or sexual assault to get confidential medical, practical and emotional support from specialist doctors, nurses and support workers.
We can refer you to a SARC or you can refer yourself without involving us at all.
Some SARCs are in hospitals, others stand alone. They have different names in different locations.
The Shores is the SARC for Dorset.
Forensic medical examination
You can get a forensic medical examination at a SARC. A nurse or doctor will examine you and collect forensic medical evidence (for example using swabs).
Forensic medical evidence means something that the offender might have left behind on your body that could help us prove what happened.
Having a forensic medical examination doesn't mean you have to report to the police. The SARC can store the evidence and can share it with us if you decide to make a report later. This keeps your options open.
More about forensic evidence in rape and sexual assault
Independent sexual violence advisors (ISVAs)
Independent sexual violence advisors (ISVAs) are specially trained staff who give practical and emotional support to adults, children and their families.
An ISVA can help you in lots of different ways:
- if you're thinking of reporting to the police, but are unsure what that involves, they can talk you through the process
- if you do decide to report to us, they can support you throughout the investigation and if your case goes to court
- they can advise you about your health, wellbeing and rights
- they can help you access other support services
ISVAs are completely independent of us, and you can talk to them without involving us at all.
Finding an ISVA
An ISVA is a person not a place. ISVAs work in lots of different places, including some of the support organisations on this page.
Contact an organisation to ask whether they have an ISVA service. Or we can give you advice if you decide to get in touch with us.
24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line
Provides free, specialist and confidential support for victims of sexual violence or abuse. Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Delivered by Rape Crisis England and Wales, funded by UK Government. Call: 0808 500 2222
Umbrella organisation supporting the work of Rape Crisis Centres for women and girls across England and Wales. Find a Rape Crisis Centre in your area
Umbrella agency for specialist rape and sexual abuse services around the UK. Find Survivors Trust members in your area.
Specialist sexual violence support services in Dorset for both adults and children.
NHS
Help after rape and sexual assault
Mental health information and support
Sexual health
If you're worried about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or pregnancy, find sexual health services via the NHS website. You can also get help at a SARC.
Specialist support
Sign Health
Working to improve the health and wellbeing of Deaf people.
Scope
Disability equality charity, providing practical information and emotional support.
Imkaan
Women's organisation dedicated to addressing violence against black and minoritised women and girls.
Imkaan's member organisations offer specialist support.
Breaking the Silence
Support for male survivors of Asian, African and African-Caribbean origin.
The Traveller Movement
Support for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people.
Survivors UK
Supporting boys and men who have been raped or sexually assaulted.
Male Survivors Partnership
A network of organisations working with male victims and survivors of sexual abuse, rape and sexual exploitation.
Safeline National Male Survivor Helpline
Dedicated helpline for men and boys.
Breaking the Silence
Support for male survivors of Asian, African and African-Caribbean origin.
Hourglass
Working to end the harm, abuse and exploitation of older people.
National Ugly Mugs
Working to end violence against sex workers. Members can sign up to share and get warnings about dangerous people.
Get advice and support from your university.
Therapy or counselling
Your health and wellbeing is the most important thing to us. You can get independent therapy or counselling at any stage of the process, including while we are still investigating the crime.
If you think you'd like to have therapy or counselling during an investigation and before a trial, please talk to us so we can advise and support you.