Recently assaulted: what should I do?
Information and advice on what you may want to do if you have been recently sexually assaulted.
If you have been recently assaulted (last 7 days):
- Go somewhere where you feel safe.
- You may have injuries that need to be treated by your doctor, a hospital, or a Sexual Assault Referral Centre.
- If there is a possibility you may be pregnant you can take the morning after pill up to 72 hours after, or if you have the coil fitted then up to five days after. You can get the morning after pill from a chemist, your doctor, a genito-urinary medicine (GUM) clinic or family planning clinic or from the SARC.
- If you are worried about sexually transmitted infections, you can have fully confidential advice and treatment from your nearest GUM clinic or Sexual Assault Referral Centre.
If you want to report at this point:
If you would like to make a report to the police you can go to the SARC to have forensic evidence collected.
- Do not wash
- Do not brush your teeth
- Do not have a cigarette
- Do not eat or drink
- Do not change your clothes (if you do keep them safe in a paper or plastic bag)
- 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’s possible that there is still forensic evidence to collect. It is also possible to report without this being collected if you do not feel able to go to the SARC.
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What is a sexual assault referral centre (SARC)?
A SARC can offer free, confidential medical, practical and emotional support to people who have been raped, sexually abused or assaulted at any point in their lives. They’re usually provided by the NHS, but will always have specially trained doctors, nurses and support workers.
