Information for people who have been sexually assaulted
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Information if you have been Raped or Sexually Assaulted
If you have been the victim of rape or sexual assault, or you know of someone who has, Gloucestershire Constabulary aims to work with the Sexual Health Services to help you.
Being raped or sexually assaulted is a traumatic experience and the effects can last a long time.
Your safety and health are of paramount importance to us at this difficult time and we want to help you along the road to recovery as quickly and completely as possible. You may be unsure about reporting the crime to the police and we understand and respect this.
Here are the options available to you:
Police Involvement - reporting formally to the police
You can formally report the crime to the police. Specially trained officers will respond to you, if appropriate, and a forensic medical examination can be arranged as quickly as possible, but only if you give your consent. This allows forensic evidence to be obtained and stored which can be crucial in the prosecution of your attacker.
You can expect to be taken seriously, to be treated sensitively and with respect. You can also expect to be kept informed of progress. If you have a preference about a male or a female doctor examining you, we can arrange this for you.
Police Involvement - reporting anonymously
The same services are offered to you whether you decide to involve the police or not, that is confidential treatment, medical care, counselling, emergency contraception, testing etc, so you may wish to report the crime anonymously.
This means that you report only the bits of information you want to pass on. For example, you may know the person who assaulted you but do not wish to give either your name or the perpetrator’s name. Or, perhaps the only information you wish to pass on is the date/time and location of the assault. Any information you pass on helps the police to track patterns of crime and can help them gain a profile on an attacker that may assist other similar investigations. The Police cannot prosecute anyone for your attack without your support
Not involving the police
Finally, you may be undecided about reporting the incident to the police or you may even have decided not to. You have the option of having a forensic medical examination for recovery of evidence which is then stored whilst you consider your options. In any event and If necessary, the staff in the GUM clinic will follow up your sexual health needs and give you information about ongoing support that is available in Gloucestershire such as counselling, advice and after-care.
Advice for Victims:
The earlier this is reported to the police the better in terms of gathering evidence
Don't brush your teeth
Don't wash any part of your body
Don't brush your hair
Keep all clothes you are wearing or were wearing when the incident occurred
If you were using a panty liner or tampon at the time of the attack you should also keep this for the police. Put it in a paper bag if possible
Keep a urine sample. This is really important if you think you have been drugged
Keep or store any used condoms, chewing gum or cigarette butts discarded by the person who attacked you
You will get further help and advice about pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) from the SARC.