If you have just been assaulted there is no right or wrong way to feel. You may be feeling many different things or nothing – people respond in completely different ways.

If you are still in danger, call 999. If you are unable to safely talk to the operator answering your 999 call, press 55 on your handset to let them know you are there.

If you need urgent medical attention call 999 and ask for an ambulance. Or you can go straight to your nearest A&E (accident and emergency)  department.

 

Try to be somewhere safe. Keep warm you may be in shock.

If it is possible, see if you can be with a friend or someone you trust.

If you feel like talking, but not to a friend or family member yet, you can call our Helpline on 0300 222 59 30 to speak to one of our specialist sexual violence advisors. Talking to a Rape Crisis centre can help. To find out all the ways we can support read more here.

 or visit our Useful Contacts section for other support services.

All our support options at NRC are voluntary; it is completely up to you which you choose to use. You don’t have to report anything to the police to get help and support from us. NRC has limited opening hours, if you ring us and we are not open we’ll call you back as soon as we can.

If we aren’t available here are some options that are open to you:

Serenity

If you are not sure if you want to report to the police or not yet you can go to Serenity Northamptonshire’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) based in Northampton.

If you have been physically or sexually abused or assaulted, you can access health care support. Serenity’s services are available to women, men and young people who have been raped or sexually assaulted. The service is available 24hrs every day and to anyone who lives in Northamptonshire. To arrange a visit number is 01604 601713.

At Serenity you can have a forensic medical examination, the results of which can be shared with the police if you choose to report the crime, or stored in case you may want to report the incident at a later date. SARC’s should not put any pressure on you to report to the police.

Their services include medical examinations, emergency contraception and pregnancy testing and information on other relevant services you may wish to access.

This includes having any cuts or bruises assessed and treated, as well as being tested for any sexual transmitted infections (STIs) or pregnancy.

They also have specially trained experienced professionals who can support you through the immediate trauma.