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FOR BEST VIEWING, enable style sheets (CSS) in your browser. RASASC is a UK Registered Charity based in Guildford, Surrey, founded in 1992 to help male and female survivors of rape or sexual abuse. Clients calling our confidential Phone Helpline or attending our counselling sessions can talk to us in safety. |
Recent Sexual TraumaAdvice for females and males SAFETY: Upon suffering any rape or sexual attack (whether actual or attempted) , try to go immediately afterwards to a place where you feel safe and then (if possible) ask someone to assist you by fetching help. SUPPORT: Can you tell anyone who will be immediately supportive, such as a close friend or family member? If not, telephone our helpline (01483 546400) - our helpline volunteers are trained to listen and respond. MEDICAL: If you have been physically harmed, seek medical advice from a doctor or a hospital A&E department as quickly as possible. Be prepared to also visit a genito-urinary medicine (GUM) clinic - it is important to consider the risk of sexually transmitted diseases. GUM tests do not have to be done immediately, they can be done about three days afterwards. Our helpline will have your nearest GUM Clinic’s telephone number. CLOTHING: After any sex attack, it is best not to wash and (preferably) not to change your clothing but to take a change of clothes with you to a hospital A&E department or Police Station as soon as possible, in case the Police wish to keep your original clothing for forensic examination. |
POLICE: Do you want to report what happened? This is your decision alone to make. There is no time limit on reporting a rape but if you do, then the sooner the better. There are special rape suites (and in some metropolitan areas, new specialist Sexual Assault Referral Centres - SARCs) where you will be looked after, rather than having to go to the police station. When you telephone the Police it is your right to speak anonymously to a rape-trained officer. You also have the right to ask for a female rape-trained officer.
If you are a member of the public and have found our advice guidelines useful or comforting, please consider making a donation to support the work we do. Every contribution helps a victim to become a survivor. |