Rape and sexual assault

Reporting rape or sexual assault

You don’t have to report the assault to police if you don’t want to.

You can report the assault to the police straight away, or attend an Accident and Emergency department if you need medical help.

Dial 999 if the incident has just taken place or if you are in immediate danger. Alternatively, call your local police on 101 or go to your nearest police station .

Help and support

Sexual assault referral centre

The Horizon sexual assault referral centre (SARC) provides medical, practical and emotional support. They also perform forensic examinations (see below). If the assault was within the last seven days – or longer if you have visible injuries, e.g. bruising – a forensic examination can be arranged.

A forensic examination can help to provide evidence against the person who assaulted you. If you are unsure about whether or not you want to report the assault to the police at this time there are different options you can consider. For example, the forensic evidence can be collected and stored by the SARC to give you more time to decide.

You do not have to report to the police if you attend the SARC. It is your choice. Specially trained staff at the SARC can give you further information to help you to decide. They will support you whatever you decide.

You can call the Horizon 24-hour phone line on 0808 168 5698.

Umbrella clinics

Umbrella clinics can help with emergency contraception, advice about and checks for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and can arrange for you to see an independent sexual violence advocate (ISVA), who is a specialist sexual violence worker.

You can choose to attend Umbrella’s abuse survivors clinic (ASC). This clinic is run by an ISVA and offers support, advice, and non-urgent medical care for people over the age of 13 who have experienced sexual abuse. The ASC at Whittall Street Clinic also has an experienced doctor.

Rape and Sexual Violence Project

Independent sexual violence advocates are provided by the Rape and Sexual Violence Project (RSVP), who offer practical and emotional support.

You can call RSVP on 0121 643 0301, and choose option 2 to go straight through to the ISVA team. You can also speak to an Umbrella clinician about being referred.

Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid

Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid (BSWA) provides emotional and practical support for women who have experienced or who are experiencing domestic abuse. If you were assaulted by a current or ex-partner, or a family member, they can offer you specialised support. Umbrella can refer you to BSWA, or you can call their helpline on 0808 800 0028.

West Midlands Children and Young Persons Service

West Midlands Children and Young Persons Service is a one-stop service open to anyone up to the age of 17 who has been the victim of rape, sexual violence and/or sexual abuse.

You can also tell someone you trust first, such as a friend, relative or teacher, who can help you get the support you need.

Childline

If you’re under 13 and want to talk to someone, you can get free and confidential support from Childline on 0800 1111.

Birmingham LGBT

Birmingham LGBT offers specialist emotional and practical support for anyone who identifies as LGBTQIA+. You can call them on 0121 643 0821.

What is rape?

Rape means somebody having sex with you without your consent (by sex we mean somebody inserting their penis into your vagina, mouth or anus).

Sexual assault is a broader term which can cover a range of offences; in fact any sexual contact without your consent is sexual assault.

What is sexual assault?

Any sexual contact made with you without your consent is sexual assault.

It’s a myth that victims of sexual assault always look battered and bruised. A sexual assault may leave no outward signs, but it’s still a crime.

Victims can be men and women of any age, race, ability or sexuality. The perpetrator (the person carrying out the assault) could be a stranger or someone known to the victim. It could be a partner, former partner, husband, relative, friend or colleague.

Many sexual assaults happen in the home of the victim or perpetrator, but they can happen anywhere.

Sexual assault is a sexual act that is carried out without the victim’s active consent. This means they didn’t agree to it.