If you are attacked, assaulted or raped

If this has happened to you:

Call the police straightaway. They need your help to catch the attacker. You can help the police by:

• Taking the name or addresses of any witnesses
• Trying to remember exactly what the attacker looked like – write it down.
• If a car was involved, try to note the colour, model and registration number.

• You do not need to go to the police station to report an assault - you can be interviewed in your own home if you wish. These crimes are dealt with sympathetically, regardless of sex. Police stations have specially trained officers who will help and support you, and many areas have comfortable victim suites, separate from the police station, where you can be interviewed privately.
• Although your immediate reaction will be to wash, try not to if you can possibly help it. It will destroy vital medical evidence, which will help to prove the case against the person who raped or assaulted you.
• Should the case come to trial, by law your anonymity will be guaranteed if you are female, or less than 18 years old. The law forbids newspapers to publish anything that might identify you. Also, as a general rule, you should not be asked about your previous sexual history in court.
• If the violence is within your family, legal protection is possible under either civil or criminal law. In some cases for example, they can require a husband or partner not to enter your home, or even your neighbourhood.

Domestic violence

Most of the advice given so far has been to help you to avoid assault by strangers. Sadly, women are in fact more likely to be at risk from people they know.

Violent attack, inside or outside the home, is a criminal offence. Nobody has the right to abuse you physically, sexually, or emotionally. Victims may be made to feel responsible and guilty for the abuse. The decision to take action against the abuser may be a difficult one, but it is important to remember that you do not have to suffer in silence.

In the short term, you can plan emergency measures. Talk to a neighbour you trust maybe arrange a signal, and ask them to contact the police if they hear a disturbance in your home. You may even feel more comfortable if an overnight bag is packed, with enough money for petrol and a phone card, and if possible, for at least one night's bed and breakfast. Take extra keys for the house or car; a change of clothes for yourself and your children and a list of emergency phone numbers. You could leave this with a friend or at your workplace. If you can, take any legal or financial papers, which you might need, along with any treasured personal possessions, favourite toys for the children and any medicines you may require.

In the longer term, you have to plan what you will do to alter your situation. Remember that domestic violence is a crime and can be dealt with through the police and courts. You should report any violent attack to the police, who can help you. Many police forces now have dedicated domestic violence units, which are staffed by specially trained officers who will tell you what help is available, and will support you in whatever you wish to do.

You can get legal advice from a solicitor. If you pursue the case against your attacker, there are a number of possible legal outcomes, ranging from court injunctions, and possibly to a criminal conviction and custodial sentence.

In addition, there are organisations, which can offer support and practical advice. Their services are confidential and in many cases, completely free (see Help, Advice & Contacts page).