Rape is a serious crime and a traumatic experience, the consequences of which can last for a very long time. Every woman reacts differently and it is not unusual for emotions to fluctuate from day to day. It can be difficult to talk about the attack to friends or family, so it’s important that victims of rape or sexual assault are shown support and understanding. Most women, over a period of time, do come to terms with what has happened and eventually regain control of their lives.

Feelings women experience

• Fright
• Guilt
• Powerlessness
• Shame
• Anger
• Depression
• Revenge
• Difficulty with eating and sleeping
• Poor concentration

• It is a myth that rape is always carried out by strangers. More often than not, someone known to the woman commits rape. This includes partners and friends.
• Regardless of who carries out the attack, it is never the woman’s fault.

• The decision to report a rape must always be left up to the woman.
• If you do not report it right away you can still do it at a later date.
• A woman police officer will be appointed to take the details. If the rape was recent you will undergo a medical examination. You will not be pushed to give a full statement until you are able to do so.
• The statement will be used as the main evidence if it goes to court.
• You will be assigned an officer to deal with your case.
• You should tell the police if you are worried that your attacker might return.
• If you are concerned for your safety you may be able to take an injunction against the attacker.
• You will be informed when someone is charged and whether they have been given bail or not.
• Evidence against them will be passed to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
• They will decide if there is a case for prosecution.

Victim Support

• Some women are referred to Victim Support through the police. Some make contact themselves or through friends.
• Victim Support volunteers are trained to give advice and emotional support to women who have been raped.
• Victim Support is confidential and free.
• Volunteers can arrange to visit you in your home or elsewhere.
• If need be they will accompany you to the police station.

• Women who have been raped worry about the consequences to their health.
• You will be seen by your doctor or outpatients’ unit in complete confidentiality.
• They will not report the attack to the police unless you ask them to.
• You will be offered tests for pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
• If you do not wish to use your own GP, there are clinics offering these services for free.
• In the event of pregnancy, your GP, the family planning centre or Pregnancy Advisory Service will help you.
• You can take the morning after pill up to three days after the rape.
• The morning after coil can be used up to five days after the rape.
• The Genito-Urinary clinic at your local hospital can test for sexually transmitted diseases.
• If you request an HIV test, you will also be offered pre-test counselling.

Going to court

• Rape cases can take some time to come to court. Some take years.
• The judge and jury will hear evidence from both the prosecution and defence teams.
• You may be called as a witness .
• The prosecution lawyer and the accused lawyer will question you. In some cases you will be questioned by the accused man himself. However, a recent legal precedent (Summer 2000) may cast doubt on the accused’s right to do this.
• You will not be asked about your sexual history unless the judge deems it relevant.
• You may leave the courtroom after giving evidence if you wish.
• You will be informed of the verdict by the police
• You can claim travel expenses, subsistence and loss of earnings for the time you are in court.
• If your case does not go to court, you can take out a private prosecution or sue the attacker for damages.
• You may be eligible for criminal injuries compensation.
• Once you report a rape to the police it is a crime to publish your photograph, name or address.
• Unless you agree to publicity you may retain your anonymity for life.

National Office of Victim Support 0207 735 9166

London Rape Crisis Centre 0207 837 1600

Women Against Rape 0207 482 2496