Is it an emergency? Ring 999!
If you are a survivor and want to contact the police that is completely ok, and if you don’t that is also completely ok and if you’re unsure that’s also ok!
Deciding what you want to do after experiencing sexual violence is completely up to the survivor and no choice is preferable over another.
This page will cover what happens when you go to the police, how you can go about it and what you can do as a survivor.
How do you report sexual violence to the police? (See the flowchart attached)
Contacting the police immediately after an incidence of sexual violence:
Evidence collection
Having evidence collected does not mean that a report has to be made to the police, but it will help if a survivor later chooses to make a report.
Having evidence collected can be essential to building a legal case, especially in cases where the survivor has blacked out or suspects that drugs were used.
Key signs of date rape drugs include sudden dizziness, nausea, and amnesia. The symptoms will typically begin to set in about 20 minutes after the drug is consumed. Date rape drugs are normally drunk. Alcohol can also be a date rape drug.
To get evidence collected the survivor will have to go to a SARC (Sexual Assault Referral Centre):
The New Swindon Sanctuary
The Gables, Shrivenham Road, South Marston, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN3 4RB
www.swindonsanctuary.co.uk
Solace Centre Blethley
Sherwood Drive, Bletchley, Buckinghamshire, MK3 6TP
www.solacesarc.org.uk
Thames Valley SARC Slough
0845 519 7638
Upton Hospital, Church Street, Slough, SL1 2BJ
In regard to evidence collection this is a best practice list of instructions which should be followed as closely as possible, however, if a survivor cannot follow these this does not mean evidence is unattainable.
Some colleges will reimburse you for taxis, should you have need of a SARC. Check with your college's welfare reps or First Respondents.
Speaking to the police
It is best to report as soon as possible. However, you can report sexual violence at any point, even years after the event.
Things to know!
If you are a survivor and want to contact the police that is completely ok, and if you don’t that is also completely ok and if you’re unsure that’s also ok!
Deciding what you want to do after experiencing sexual violence is completely up to the survivor and no choice is preferable over another.
This page will cover what happens when you go to the police, how you can go about it and what you can do as a survivor.
How do you report sexual violence to the police? (See the flowchart attached)
Contacting the police immediately after an incidence of sexual violence:
Evidence collection
Having evidence collected does not mean that a report has to be made to the police, but it will help if a survivor later chooses to make a report.
Having evidence collected can be essential to building a legal case, especially in cases where the survivor has blacked out or suspects that drugs were used.
Key signs of date rape drugs include sudden dizziness, nausea, and amnesia. The symptoms will typically begin to set in about 20 minutes after the drug is consumed. Date rape drugs are normally drunk. Alcohol can also be a date rape drug.
To get evidence collected the survivor will have to go to a SARC (Sexual Assault Referral Centre):
The New Swindon Sanctuary
The Gables, Shrivenham Road, South Marston, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN3 4RB
www.swindonsanctuary.co.uk
Solace Centre Blethley
Sherwood Drive, Bletchley, Buckinghamshire, MK3 6TP
www.solacesarc.org.uk
Thames Valley SARC Slough
0845 519 7638
Upton Hospital, Church Street, Slough, SL1 2BJ
In regard to evidence collection this is a best practice list of instructions which should be followed as closely as possible, however, if a survivor cannot follow these this does not mean evidence is unattainable.
- 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.
- Any evidence that is moved (clothes etc) should be picked up and stored in a paper bag.
Some colleges will reimburse you for taxis, should you have need of a SARC. Check with your college's welfare reps or First Respondents.
Speaking to the police
It is best to report as soon as possible. However, you can report sexual violence at any point, even years after the event.
Things to know!
- You can have a translator and/or signer for any part of the police process
- You can bring a family or friend, however, they shouldn't be a potential witness
- The process will be done at your pace
- You can stop the process at any point
- You will not be judged
- Your safety will be considered and appropriate measures to maintain your safety will always be put in place
- You are legally guaranteed anonymity from the press and public
- A first responder can help you through this process as can other welfare officers, including staff
- You can access support at anytime during the process and it will always be given to you
- You can also go through the police after going to a Sexual Assault Referral Centre
