What to do if you or a friend have been recently raped
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If you have recently been assaulted you may wish to report it to the police by calling them directly. If you are not sure about contacting the police please consider contacting your local Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC).
Your immediate health and forensic needs will be met through attending a SARC, it is important that this is done as soon as possible following the rape or assault. You can still go to a SARC if you do not want to report to the police.
www.safeplacemerseyside.org.uk
If you live or have been raped/assaulted in Merseyside you have the option to go to your local Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SAFE Place Merseyside). Please contact them on 0151 295 3550.
If you live or have been raped in Cheshire, please ring 0161 276 6515 to access the service of St Mary’s SARC. Or alternatively please ring contact your local police to report your assault who will arrange for you to attend at your local Sexual Assault Referral Centre.
When you get to the SARC, a specialist Crisis Worker will greet you and will explain what will happen next.
Services at a Sexual Assault Referral Centre include:
- Forensic medical examination
- Emergency contraception
- PEPSE* if appropriate
- Advice on screening for sexually transmitted Infections
- Hepatitis ‘B’ vaccination
- Referral to an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor and other appropriate support services
- Informal discussion with a specially trained police officer (if requested)
- Translation services if English is not your first language
*A course of treatment to help prevent the onset of HIV in those who are at risk (this must be administered within 72 hours of an assault)
If you were sexually assaulted weeks, months or even years ago (with or without reporting to the police)
- Referral to an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor and other appropriate support services
- Advice on Screening for Sexually Transmitted Infections
- Informal discussion with a specially trained police officer if requested
- Translation services if English is not your first language
We work in partnership with Cheshire and Merseyside SARC’s to deliver outreach Independent Sexual Violence Advisor Support and counselling. You can contact us to get more information and advice on any of the issues talked about in this section.
“Since my sessions with my counsellor started I have improved in many ways. For example I’m now a lot more confident and excited about my future. I was having sessions throughout the exam period and my success in my exams is partly thanks to the amazing support I received from my counsellor! Thank you for everything you have done for me!”
Survivor of recent rape (by her mum’s partner), aged 17
“My worker [ISVA] has been great and helped me through a very difficult time in my life. I thank her so much for the support I have felt. She has been the best and made me realise that there is more to life. She understood me whenever I have had a feeling inside. I trust her 100% with all that I have said!”
Survivor of recent sexual assault, aged 18