Can You Report Sexual Assault Years Later?
If rape or sexual assault happened months, years or even decades ago, you can still report it. Here’s what you need to know
One question survivors can carry for years is: Have I left it too late?
Maybe you weren’t ready to report when it happened. Maybe you didn’t recognise what happened as sexual violence at the time. Maybe you were frightened, were dealing with trauma, depended on the person responsible, or simply needed to survive what came next.
Whatever the reason, time doesn't automatically close the door.
Can I report sexual assault years later?
Yes. In England and Wales, there is no time limit on reporting rape and serious sexual offences to the police. The CPS confirms that rape can be investigated and prosecuted regardless of how long ago it happened.
That could mean reporting something that happened last year, ten years ago or decades ago.
If an offence happened before 1 May 2004, different legislation may apply, and the offence that can ultimately be charged may be different. But you can still make a report.
But what if there is no forensic evidence?
This is a common worry.
When significant time has passed, some evidence that might have been available immediately after an assault will no longer be obtainable. That can make an investigation more challenging. But a lack of recent forensic evidence does not mean you cannot report.
Your account is evidence. Police may also look for other evidence that can support an investigation, depending on the circumstances - including witnesses, messages, records, previous disclosures, or other relevant information.
Rape Crisis specifically advises that police should still investigate a report regardless of how long ago the offence happened.
And non-recent cases can reach court. The CPS says it has prosecuted and secured convictions for rape and sexual offences reported decades after they happened.
What happens if I decide to report?
You can contact the police on 101, report in person at a police station, or use the reporting options offered by your local police force. Call 999 if you or somebody else is in immediate danger.
Police will usually take an initial account before arranging for a fuller statement and beginning their investigation. In rape and serious sexual offence cases, any case referred to the CPS is reviewed by specialist RASSO prosecutors.
Reporting does not guarantee that somebody will be charged or that a case will reach court. Evidence still has to be investigated, and the relevant legal tests must be met.
But how long you waited to speak does not, by itself, prevent you from reporting.
You don’t have to decide today
Reporting is a personal decision.
You can seek specialist support without reporting to the police. An Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (ISVA) can provide independent information and practical support, including helping you understand your options and, if you do report, supporting you through the criminal justice process.
Rape Crisis services can also support people whose experiences happened a long time ago. Under the Victims’ Code, you can access victim support services without first reporting the crime to police.
However long it has been
There is no correct timeline for understanding what happened to you. There is no deadline by which you have to feel ready to speak. And taking years to report does not make what happened any less serious. If you decide that reporting is right for you, years passing does not take away your right to make that report.
At M.Y.H, we believe knowing your options matters - whether you choose to report today, years from now, or not at all.
What reporting can involve
Following insight from our community, we also wanted to add an important note about what reporting can involve. We firmly believe that anyone considering reporting sexual violence should be able to make that decision with as much information as possible. Some survivors have told us that the timing of their report - whether weeks, months or years later - has been questioned during the process.
We share this not to dissuade anyone from reporting, but because knowledge is power. Understanding that reporting can involve difficult questions, scrutiny and long waits can help you feel more prepared and make an informed decision about what is right for you.
There is no “right” time to come forward. You deserve support, clear information and to know what you may encounter along the way.
England and Wales. Information checked September 2026.
This is general information, not legal advice.
