We take seriously all reports of rape and serious sexual assaults, regardless of age, race, religion, gender or sexual orientation.

Serious sexual assaults affect people from all ages and backgrounds. If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, then we hope you will find the information in this section helpful. It explains what the police and others can and will do to help you.

Many people assume that the perpetrators of serious sexual assaults and rapes are usually strangers, however, national research indicates that most sexual assaults occur within the home. A total of 54 per cent of female victims of serious sexual assault reported that a partner/spouse or ex partner/ex spouse had been the perpetrator.

Reactions to sexual assaults may be ones of:

• Emotional Shock: I feel numb. How can I be so calm? Why can't I cry?
• Disbelief and/or Denial: Did it really happen? Why me? Maybe I just imagined it. It wasn't really rape, No one will believe me.
• Embarrassment: What will people think? I can't tell my family or friends.
• Shame: I feel like there's something wrong with me. I can't get clean.
• Guilt: I feel as if it's my fault, or I should've been able to stop it. If only I had...
• Depression: How am I going to get through the day? I'm so tired! I feel so hopeless.
• Powerlessness: Will I ever feel in control again?
• Disorientation: I don't even know what day it is, or where I'm supposed to be. I keep forgetting things.
• Flashbacks: I keep re-living the assault.
• Fear: I'm scared of everything. What if I have a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or AIDS? I can't sleep because I'll have nightmares. I'm afraid to go out. I'm afraid to be alone.
• Anxiety: I'm having panic attacks. I can't breathe. I can't stop shaking. I feel overwhelmed.
• Anger: I feel like killing the person who attacked me.
• Physical Stress: My stomach (or head or back) aches all the time. I feel jittery and don't feel like eating.

 

Many women and men who have experienced rape or sexual assault report such feelings. It is not unusual - they are your body's natural response in your situation.

 

Reporting a Sexual Assault?
We realise that reporting your assault may be difficult and traumatic but it is important that you do so that we can investigate and catch the offender.

The main role of the police is to investigate the assault. The first response officer to attend will need to know brief details of what happened. This will include your personal details, when and where the assault took place, and a description of the person who assaulted you or their name if you know it.

The place where the offence happened will be searched for forensic evidence. Other supporting evidence such as clothing worn at the time of the assault; urine samples and mouth swabs may be taken to assist in the investigation. Try not to wash, drink, eat, smoke, change your clothes, move or touch anything until this has been done.

Don't worry if you have already done some of these things. It is quite possible that there is still evidence to collect as well as injuries that can be documented.

We may ask you to be examined by a specially-trained doctor. This would take place in one of our care suites, which are in discreet locations throughout Norfolk. A Rape Investigation Unit officer will be there with you to support you. The doctor will discuss with you what medical aftercare you may need.

 

Victim support
We can also refer you through to the Victim Support Service, which has specially-trained members of staff who can offer you all sorts of help and support.

Our Rape Investigation Unit (RIU) specialises in investigating and dealing with victims of rape and serious sexual assault. All officers working in the RIU are properly trained and ensure victims are dealt with in a caring, supportive and professional manner.

The RIU officers will provide victims with the necessary information, including appropriate support groups or statutory partner agencies that will support victims through the investigation process and to assist you in dealing with the issues you may face.

Once we have completed a thorough investigation, the investigation papers will be passed to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), which is independent of the police. They will make the final decision regarding criminal prosecution taking into account all of the evidence available.

All victims and witnesses involved in cases going through the criminal justice system are referred to the Witness Care Unit. This is a partnership between the CPS and the police to support victims and witnesses through the prosecution process. They can also arrange for you to attend the court before the trial so you can familiarise yourself with the building and be informed of the process.

Rights of Women publish a range of free information on areas of sexual violence law to support women through the criminal justice process, including From Report to Court: a handbook for adult survivors of sexual violence.

Downloads from Report to Court and other free information can be found at Rights of Women website.

Information about their sexual violence legal advice line can be found at Rights of Women Advice section on their website.

 

Getting help
If you do not wish to contact the police, it still may be important that you receive medical attention. You do not have to have a forensic examination if you go to your local hospital’s Accident and Emergency department or to your GP. You may need to receive treatment for your injuries, emergency contraception, and checks for STIs.

It is important to know that if you have been sexually assaulted it is not your fault, it can affect how you feel for a long time and you don’t have to cope with it on your own.