Everyone has the right to say ‘no’ to sex on any occasion and under any circumstances, regardless of whether they’ve given consent to sex with that person in the past. Sex without consent is rape, whether it takes place within a marriage, relationship or with someone that you don’t know.
If you have been sexually assaulted or raped, please remember it is not your fault. Regardless of what you might have been wearing, how much you’d had to drink or who was involved.
There is no excuse for sexual violence and rape– it can never be justified, it can never be explained away and there is no context in which it is valid, understandable or acceptable.
A common myth surrounding rape and other forms of sexual violence is the belief that these crimes are mostly committed by strangers, around 85% of survivors know their attacker prior to the rape or assault and often sexual violence is committed by a partner or ex-partner (Source: Rape Crisis).
Staying in a relationship that involves or has involved sexual violence does not mean a person is ‘weak’ or any less deserving of specialist support and justice than someone raped in any other kind of circumstance.
The term ‘drug rape’ or ‘drug-assisted rape’ is used, particularly by the media, to refer to rape or sexual assault that takes place after the perpetrator has administered a drug to their victim, often through a drink and often in a social setting such as a bar or nightclub.
The drug Rohypnol is sometimes referred to as the ‘date rape drug’ but other drugs, including prescription medication and most often alcohol, can be used to incapacitate a person or to try and make them vulnerable to a sexual attack
If a person is incapacitated through taking drugs or alcohol, legally they are unable to consent to sex. Sex without consent is rape.
If you want forensic evidence to be collected, you should try and seek help within 72 hours and if possible, take these steps:
Don’t worry: if you have already done some of these things. It’s possible that there is still forensic evidence to collect.
Remember, collecting evidence is your choice. If you do not wish to contact the police, you do not have to.
If you have been sexually assaulted or raped there are different services to support you
Call 999 for emergency assistance from the Police
Humberside Police has specially trained officers, who are dedicated to helping and supporting victims of all sexual assault and rape. These officers will investigate offences in a discreet and professional manner, offering support and guidance from the time of reporting through to the conclusion of an investigation.
Humberside Police treat historic incidents of rape or sexual assault just as seriously as recent ones. If you would like to report a crime that has happened in the past please call 101 and a specially trained officer will attend.
Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC)
Helpline: 0330 223 0181
A confidential helpline is available Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm with trained workers who are there to listen and offer support to anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted. They can also provide information about other services and agencies in Hull.
You do not have to report to the police in order to access this service.
If you are 16 or over and have been raped or sexually assaulted within the past 7 days you can contact the service. A Crisis Worker will discuss your options with you and, if you wish, can arrange for you to have a forensic medical examination.
Evidence gained from an examination will be stored by the SARC for up to 7 years. If, in future, you do decide to report the incident to the Police, we can help you with his process.
You will still be able to access emotional and practical support through the SARC if you do not have a forensic medical examination.
Helpline Opening Hours:
Mondays 10am to 1pm and 6pm to 8pm, Tuesdays 8pm to 11pm, Wednesdays 6pm to 8pm, Thursdays 8pm to 11pm, Fridays 6pm to 8pm, Saturdays 3pm to 5pm, and Sundays 2pm to 5pm
Visit the SARSVL website for more information on their services.
Rape Crisis
Rape Crisis supports women and girls who have been raped or sexually assaulted in England and Wales.
http://www.hullrapecrisis.org/
Victim Support
Victim Support can support people who have been raped or sexually assaulted whether or not they want to report the incident. If you do want to report the incident they will support you through the process. Victim support can help people of any gender.
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