Reporting Rape Or Sexual Assault
The role of the police - and what you can expect
Reporting rape, sexual assault, or another sexual offence can feel daunting. There is no right or wrong way to do it - and no obligation to report at all. Whatever you decide, support is available, and the choice is always yours.
The role of the Police is to listen, to investigate where possible, and to treat you with dignity and respect. They should explain your options clearly and support you to make informed decisions at your own pace.
You don’t have to decide straight away
If you’re unsure about reporting, you can talk things through confidentially with:
A Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC)
An Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA)
A local Rape Crisis centre or another specialist support service
You can access these services without involving the police or filing a report.
Different ways to report (if and when you choose to)
If you do decide to report, there are several options:
Directly to the police
By calling 101 (or 999 in an emergency), reporting online, or visiting a police station.Through a support organisation
Some services can help you make a report on your behalf. You can choose whether or not to share your personal details.Anonymously
You can share information without giving your name. This may limit what the police can do immediately, but you can choose to give details later if you want to.Without a full investigation
You can report what happened, give your details, and still decide not to proceed with a full investigation or court process. You can withdraw your complaint at any time.
If the assault happened a long time ago
There is no time limit for reporting rape or sexual assault. You can report something that happened months, years, or decades ago. The police should still take your report seriously and explain the available options now.
What happens after you report
While every case is different, you can usually expect:
An initial account to understand what happened
A specially trained officer, where possible
The option to give a statement in private, with support present if you wish
An investigation based on available evidence
Not all cases go to court. Charging decisions are made by the Crown Prosecution Service, following police investigation, and are based on the evidence and the public interest. A decision not to charge does not mean a crime did not happen or that you were not believed.
Your rights if things don’t feel right
You have the right to be treated with respect and dignity throughout.
If you are unhappy with:
A decision not to charge, you may be able to use the Victims’ Right to Review (VRR) scheme.
The way you were treated, you can make a complaint or seek independent support.
Victim Support has a dedicated webpage outlining the Victims’ Code, which explains the rights you are entitled to as a victim of crime. It sets out what criminal justice agencies - including the police, CPS and courts - must provide, and when.
The Code also explains how to raise concerns if your rights are not met. You can access full details via the link button at the bottom of this page.
Immigration status
No matter your immigration status, you should be treated as a victim first. In some circumstances, information may be shared with immigration authorities - this can be worrying, and specialist organisations can help you understand your rights and options before you decide what to do.
A final word
Sexual violence is never the survivor’s fault. The responsibility lies solely with the person who committed it. Choosing whether to report is your decision.
Support is available - now, later, or whenever feels right for you.
Rape Crisis is here to provide you with confidential, specialist support and a safe space to be heard.
