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Safety · the UK
Updated September 2026

🫂 I have experienced sexual violence — where can I go, right now?

Direct answer

Whatever happened and whenever it happened, help is available without any obligation to report. Rape Crisis — 24/7 support line 0808 500 2222 / SARCs (0808 500 2222) is the specialised centre or helpline for the UK: medical care, evidence collection you can decide about later, emergency contraception and PEP within 72 hours, and someone who believes you — free and confidential. Police — 101 / report online (999 in an emergency) (101) if you want to report or are in danger; you can have a support person with you. Victim Support — 0808 168 9111 (0808 168 9111) supports you through everything that follows, at your pace.

Call firstRape Crisis — 24/7 support line 0808 500 2222 / SARCs
Report toPolice — 101 / report online (999 in an emergency)
If that failsVictim Support — 0808 168 9111

🗣️ What to say

"Something happened to me [today / on date] and I need help. I am not sure yet whether I want to report it. I would like medical care and to know my options."

🪜 Step by step

  1. Safe and not aloneA friend, a neighbour, the helpline. Nothing has to be decided tonight except your safety.
  2. Medical care within 72 hoursFor prevention (PEP, emergency contraception) and, if you choose, evidence collection. Try not to wash or change clothes before, but care comes first either way.
  3. Talk to Rape Crisis — 24/7 support line 0808 500 2222 / SARCsThey explain reporting without pressure and can store evidence while you decide.
  4. If you report: Police — 101 / report online (999 in an emergency)You can bring a support person and ask for a specialised officer. The statement can be recorded once.
  5. Afterwards: Victim Support — 0808 168 9111Counselling, legal help, compensation from the state fund — all free for victims.

📇 All contacts

Rape Crisis — 24/7 support line 0808 500 2222 / SARCsSupport and forensic care after sexual violence, no report neededAnytime📞 0808 500 2222🔗 rapecrisis.org.uk
Police — 101 / report online (999 in an emergency)Local police for any crime that is not fraudBurglary, theft, threats, stalking📞 101🔗 www.police.uk
Victim Support — 0808 168 9111Free, confidential victim support; CICA compensationAfter any crime📞 0808 168 9111🔗 www.victimsupport.org.uk
National Domestic Abuse Helpline — 0808 2000 247Free, confidential, 24/7; refugesDomestic abuse📞 0808 2000 247🔗 www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk

❓ Frequently asked

It happened years ago

Help and counselling are available regardless; limitation periods for reporting are long and in many countries do not run for minors until adulthood.

I knew the person / I had been drinking

None of that changes what it was or your rights. Consent cannot be given when incapacitated.

Will I have to face them in court?

Special measures — video testimony, screens, no direct questioning by the accused — are standard for these cases. Victim Support — 0808 168 9111 arranges it.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.

  • “sexual assault help the UK”
  • “rape crisis centre the UK”
  • “sexual violence helpline”
  • “report sexual assault police support”
  • “emergency care after assault”

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Related questions

🆘Domestic violence→🤲Victim support→🆔Identity theft→💻Online harassment→

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