Rape and sexual assault

Rape & Sexual Assault

If you have been raped or sexually assaulted, it is important to remember that it wasn’t your fault. Sexual violence is a crime, no matter who commits it or where it happens. Don’t be afraid to get help.

You can be raped or sexually assaulted by a stranger or someone you know. It can happen to anyone.

What you can do

Self refer to a Sexual Assault Response Coordination Service (SARCS)

If you’ve been raped or sexually assaulted within the last 7 days and do not want to tell the police or are unsure about telling them, you can self-refer to a SARCS. SARCS offer healthcare and support and you do not need a doctor to refer you, you can do this yourself.

You can find more information about how to self-refer to a SARCS, and the telephone number to call to speak to a trained healthcare professional on the NHS inform website. The helpline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Turn to SARCS | NHS inform

Report it to the police

You can report a rape or sexual assault at any time by:

Calling 999 if it’s an emergency situation

Calling 101

Visiting the Police Scotland website

What is sexual assault?

A sexual assault is any sexual act that a person did not consent to or is forced into against their will. It is a form of sexual violence and includes rape (an assault involving penetration of the vagina, anus or mouth by the penis or another object), or other sexual offences, such as groping, forced kissing, child sexual abuse or the torture of a person in a sexual manner.

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

It is not uncommon for a victim of sexual assault to have no physical injuries or signs of their assault. But sexual assault is still a crime and can be reported to the police in the same way as other crimes.

Most sexual assaults are carried out by someone known to the victim. This could be a partner, former partner, relative, friend or colleague. The assault may happen in many places but is usually in the victim’s home or the home of the alleged perpetrator or person carrying out the assault.

If you’ve been sexually assaulted…

Remember…You Are Not to Blame… Even If:

• Your attacker was an acquaintance, date, friend or partner
• You have been sexually intimate with that person or with others before
• You were drinking or using drugs
• You froze and did not or could not say “no,” or were unable to fight back physically

Ways to Take Care of Yourself:

• Get support from friends and family – try to identify people you trust to validate your feelings. Spend time with people who know your strengths and positive qualities. Try not to isolate yourself
• Talk about the assault and express feelings – you can choose when, where, and with whom. You can also decide how much or how little to talk about