NHS Choices - What should I do immediately after a sexual assault or rape?
NHS Direct Helpline: 0845 46 47
www.nhs.uk
After a rape or sexual assault you may be affected emotionally and physically. Only you can decide what you feel up to doing in the following hours, days or weeks.
But there are certain pieces of advice we can offer you, so that you have the knowledge you need to make the right decisions for you, and get the support you need.
Victim Support
Supportline: 0845 30 30 900
Comprehensive help and information: www.victimsupport.org.uk
Our services are confidential, free and available to anyone who's been raped or sexually assaulted, now or in the past. We can help, regardless of whether you have told the police or anyone else about the attack. Our volunteers can visit you at home (if you want us to, and if doing so will not put you at further risk) or somewhere else if you prefer. If you don't want to see anyone face-to-face, you can also talk to us on the 'phone, either at one of our local offices or at the national Victim Supportline.
Women Against Rape
www.womenagainstrape.net
This is the joint website of Women Against Rape and Black Women's Rape Action Project. Both organisations are based on self-help and provide support, legal information and advocacy. We campaign for justice and protection for all women and girls, including asylum seekers, who have suffered sexual, domestic and/or racist violence.
Rape Crisis
www.rapecrisis.org.uk
National Organisation offering support and counselling for those affected by rape and sexual abuse.
See website for local groups or contact directory enquiries.
The Rape and Abuse Line (RAL)
www.rapeandabuseline.co.uk
Helpline: 0808 800 0123 answered by women
Helpline:0808 800 0122 answered by men
A registered charity that offers a freephone, confidential helpline to persons who have survived rape or abuse however long ago the experiences were.
Survivors UK - Male Rape and Sexual Abuse Support
National Helpline: 0845 122 1201
www.survivorsuk.org
We understand the effect which male rape and sexual abuse can have upon those who are forced to experience it, and we're well aware of the traumatic process which it can set in motion. If you are a man who has suffered sexual abuse or rape in the past, you can turn to us for help. We have a range of support options to help you recover from your experience and put the past behind you.
MPower - Support for Male Survivors of Abuse
Helpline: 0808 808 4321
www.male-rape.org.uk
It can sometimes be difficult to talk about rape, sexual assault and childhood abuse. This website offers information and contact points for agencies which specialise in these issues. Many survivors say that the hardest part of coming to terms with what has happened is to learn to stop blaming themselves. Nobody deserves to be raped. No survivor deserves the blame. TALK about your anger. TALK about your feelings. TALK to someone you can trust.
Survivors UK
Helpline 0845 122 1201
www.survivorsuk.org
If you have been subjected to male rape or sexual abuse, one of your biggest challenges will be taking the decision to talk to someone. At Survivors UK we know this can seem an enormous and daunting step. Anxiety and fear are among the most common emotions experienced by the abused. But these feelings do become easier and people can, and do, successfully go on to explore their past and its links with today in making sense of recurring problems. The helpline is for adult men (18 and over) who have experienced childhood sexual abuse or adult sexual assault / rape, as well as their partners and carers. Sometimes callers may feel confused and are not sure if they have been sexually assaulted or not, but our helpline is still here to support you. We offer emotional support by telephone but if you call our helpline and we're not the right service for you, we'll do our best to point you in the right direction.
NAPAC (National Association of People Abuse in Childhood)
Helpline 0800 085 3330
www.napac.org.uk
We are the only national organisation focused on supporting adults who have been abused in any way as children. We know that most children who are abused don't talk about it until they become adults and NAPAC exists to support survivors of child abuse when want to talk and receive support.
The Survivors Trust
www.thesurvivorstrust.org
The Survivors Trust is a national umbrella agency for over 120 specialist voluntary sector agencies providing a range of counselling, therapeutic and support services working with women, men and children who are victims/survivors of rape, sexual violence and childhood sexual abuse.
One in Four
www.oneinfour.org.uk
One in Four offers a voice to and support for people who have experienced sexual abuse and sexual violence. Research has consistently shown that one in four children will experience sexual abuse before the age of 18. We exist to give voice to the experience of people who have been sexually abused and to provide a space which by its very existence challenges feelings of shame and self blame. The organisation became a registered charity in July 2000 and currently operates nationally in the UK from its London offices. It provides support and resources to people who have experienced sexual abuse, regardless of gender.
RASAC (Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre)
National Helpline: 0808 802 9999 (12-2.30 & 7-9.30)
www.rasasc.bizview.co.uk
National helpline for survivors of rape and childhood sexual abuse (male and female), their families and friends. Provides emotional and practical support.
Family Matters
Helpline 01474 537 392
www.familymattersuk.org
For men, women and children who have survived childhood sexual abuse, rape or sexual assault.
The Rape and Abuse Line (RAL)
www.rapeandabuseline.co.uk
Helpline: 0808 800 0123 answered by women
Helpline: 0808 800 0122 answered by men
A registered charity that offers a freephone, confidential helpline to persons who have survived rape or abuse however long ago the experiences were.
Women Against Rape
www.womenagainstrape.net
This is the joint website of Women Against Rape and Black Women's Rape Action Project. Both organisations are based on self-help and provide support, legal information and advocacy. We campaign for justice and protection for all women and girls, including asylum seekers, who have suffered sexual, domestic and/or racist violence.
Rape Crisis
www.rapecrisis.org.uk
National Organisation offering support and counselling for those affected by rape and sexual abuse.
See website for local groups or contact directory enquiries.
Child abuse
ChildLine
Helpline: 0800 1111 (24 hours)
www.childline.org.uk
Free, confidential 24-hour helpline staffed by counsellors specially for children and young people to talk about any issue that is worrying them. Lines can be busy so keep trying. You can talk to a counsellor online as well as other young people via the message boards. The ChildLine website also contains a lots of information and advice on various topics including abuse, domestic violence, bullying and exam stress.
NSPCC
Helpline: 0808 800 5000 (24 hours, every day)
www.nspcc.org.uk
UK's leading charity specialising in child protection and the prevention of cruelty to children. The free helpline is for anyone, children or adults, concerned about a child at risk of abuse. The NSPCC also runs high profile campaigns for children's rights, such as Full Stop and administers 180 regional teams and projects, and conducts research into child abuse and its effects.
Kidscape
Helpline: 08451 205 204
www.kidscape.org.uk
Committed to keeping children safe from bullying and child abuse, the helpline offers advice to parents on any concerns about school bullying. The website includes a forum for children to talk about their experiences of bullying, details of courses to help children to cope with bullying and you can order free booklets and leaflets on child safety and the prevention of bullying and abuse.
Papyrus
Papyrus HOPElineUK - 0800 068 41 41
www.papyrus-uk.org
Support for those dealing with suicide, depression or emotional distress - particularly teenagers and young adults.
Get Connected
Helpline: 0808 808 4994
www.getconnected.org
Free confidential helpline and on-line support for young people on any subject.
Stop it Now! UK & Ireland
Confidential Helpline: 0808 1000 900
www.stopitnow.org.uk
Abuse thrives in an atmosphere of secrecy and taboo. The Stop it Now! UK & Ireland campaign aims to stop child sexual abuse by encouraging abusers and potential abusers to seek help and by giving adults the information they need to protect children effectively. Stop it Now! believes sexual abuse is preventable and challenges adults to create a society that no longer tolerates the sexual abuse of children.
Personal Safety Advice
Refuge
www.refuge.org.uk
Thirty-five years ago Refuge set up the world's first refuge for women and children escaping domestic violence. Since then, Refuge has grown to become the largest provider of emergency accommodation and emotional and practical support to women and children in the country and the leading voice in the campaign to end domestic violence.
Women's Aid Federation of England
Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (24 hours)
www.womensaid.org.uk
For women who are expriencing or have experienced physical, mental, sexual or domestic violence or abuse. Offers advice, support and crisis intervention to abused women.
Crimestoppers
www.crimestoppers-uk.org
Crimestoppers comprehensive personal safety advice.
e-victims
www.e-victims.org
This is the first website dedicated to helping victims of e-crime and online incidents.
We offer free, practical and easy to use advice on e-crime and online incidents. There is a lot to cover and the list expands daily.
Live Life Safe
www.suzylamplugh.org/personal-safety/personal-safety-tips/dating-safely - Dating safety
www.suzylamplugh.org/personal-safety/personal-safety-tips/safety-on-the-internet - Internet Safety
Set up by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust , their mission is to raise awareness of the importance of personal safety and to provide solutions that effect change in order to help people to avoid violence and aggression and live safer, more confident lives.
The Site
www.thesite.org/homelawandmoney/law/staysafe/safetyforwomen
Advice on safety for women from TheSite.org, including how to stay safe in taxis and public transport, avoiding confrontation and what to do when you feel uneasy.
e-victims.org
www.e-victims.org
Dedicated to helping victims of e-crime and online incidents.
Network for Surviving Stalking
www.nss.org.uk/main/advice.html
The NSS is a registered charity dedicated to support those affected by stalking of any kind.
National Stalking Helpline: 0300 636 0300
www.stalkinghelpline.org
The National Stalking Helpline provides guidance and information to anybody who is currently or has previously been affected by harassment or stalking
Bullying Online
www.bullyonline.org/related/stalking.htm
Comprehensive website on all forms of bullying including cyber stalking.
Suzy Lamplugh Trust
www.suzylamplugh.org
UK Charity dedicated to providing practical support and personal safety advice to reduce fear of crime and develop skills and strategies to avoid crime and violence.
Protection Against Stalking
www.protectionagainststalking.org
Protection against Stalking works jointly with relevant agencies to increase awareness of Stalking and Harassment to ensure victims receive all the protection and help they need to rebuild their lives and live free of fear.
Victim Support
Helpline: 0845 30 30 900
www.victimsupport.org.uk
Victim Support helps people cope with the effects of crime. There are separate advice sections for people living in England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
NHS Choices - What should I do immediately after a sexual assault or rape?
NHS Direct Helpline: 0845 46 47
www.nhs.uk
After a rape or sexual assault you may be affected emotionally and physically. Only you can decide what you feel up to doing in the following hours, days or weeks.
But there are certain pieces of advice we can offer you, so that you have the knowledge you need to make the right decisions for you, and get the support you need.
Victim Support
Supportline: 0845 30 30 900
Comprehensive help and information: www.victimsupport.org.uk
Our services are confidential, free and available to anyone who's been raped or sexually assaulted, now or in the past. We can help, regardless of whether you have told the police or anyone else about the attack. Our volunteers can visit you at home (if you want us to, and if doing so will not put you at further risk) or somewhere else if you prefer. If you don't want to see anyone face-to-face, you can also talk to us on the 'phone, either at one of our local offices or at the national Victim Supportline.
RASAC (Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre)
National Helpline: 0808 802 9999 (12-2.30 & 7-9.30)
www.rasasc.bizview.co.uk
National helpline for survivors of rape and childhood sexual abuse, their families and friends. Provides emotional and practical support.
Women Against Rape
www.womenagainstrape.net
This is the joint website of Women Against Rape and Black Women's Rape Action Project. Both organisations are based on self-help and provide support, legal information and advocacy. We campaign for justice and protection for all women and girls, including asylum seekers, who have suffered sexual, domestic and/or racist violence.
Rape Crisis
www.rapecrisis.org.uk
National Organisation offering support and counselling for those affected by rape and sexual abuse.
See website for local groups or contact directory enquiries.