Getting Help
Raasc will support you whether you wish to make a police report or not
If you have been raped the most important thing to remember is that it was not your fault. It is irrelevant what you were wearing, how much you had to drink or whether you were in your own home or out for the evening—you did not ask to be raped. The blame is entirely the perpetrators. If you have not given your consent to have sexual relations or were unable to give your consent (asleep, passed out, drunk) then this is also rape. Even though rape involves forced sex, rape is not about sex or passion. Rape has nothing to do with love. Rape is an act of aggression and violence.
Immediately after being raped these are decisions that you will have to make, the first is whether or not to report to the police. RAASC can give you information about the procedures of the police and criminal justice system. We can also support you through that process if you do choose to report your assault.
You are the only one who can make the decision and no one else should make that decision for you.
However, first things first
- Go to a safe place such as the home of a trusted friend or family member who you trust who can help and support you through the immediate trauma. You can call also a RAASC worker.
- It is important that you have a medical check. You can go to A & E or your GP. You may need to be checked for injuries, emergency contraception, and for STIs.
- If you want to report the assault to the police it is up to you. However, if you decide to report to the police the sooner you do the more forensic evidence can be collected.
If possible:- do not wash
- do not brush your teeth
- do not have a cigarette
- do not eat or drink
- do not change your clothes (or keep them safely to one side)
- try not go to the toilet
- do not clear up anything from the area of the incident.
Don't worry if you have already done some of these things. It is quite possible that there is still evidence to collect as well as injuries that can be documented.