If it's a very recent rape

 

If this has just happened to you, you might be experiencing lots of different feelings. Many people feel scared, numb, shocked, confused, or angry. There is no right or wrong way to feel or to be.

 

If something has just happened to you, you might want to:

 

• Try to get somewhere that feels safe.
• Try to stay warm (you could be in shock).
• See if a friend or someone you trust can be with you.
• Talk to someone about what's happened
   

However you're feeling, try to remember this isn't your fault and you're not alone.

 

If you don't feel like telling a friend or family member yet, you can talk to us at Bradford Rape Crisis -

our helpline number is 0800 448 0710 (if you get through to our answer phone, just leave your name and number and we'll call you back as soon as we can).

 

You can also call the National Rape Crisis helpline which is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year

 

They also run a webchat service, which is currently open during the following times: 

Monday to Thursday - 1pm to 5pm, and 6pm to 9pm

Friday - 2pm to 5pm 

 

Both helplines are free, anonymous and confidential. 

If you get in touch you can take the conversation at your own pace, and you only need to talk about what you are comfortable with sharing.

 

If you're in danger or need urgent medical attention, you can call 999 to speak to the police or ask for an ambulance, or go straight to your nearest Accident & Emergency (A&E) department.

 

If you're thinking of reporting to the police

 

It's completely up to you whether or not to report to the police. No-one else can or should make that choice for you.

 

We have specialist Independent Sexual Violence Advisors at Bradford  - ISVA workers, who can give you information about what will happen if you report to the Police, to help you make an informed decision.

If you do report, a medical examination will usually be carried out to collect any forensic evidence. This is evidence that can be gathered through scientific tests, like DNA from hair or swabs.

 

If you’re not sure yet whether you want to report to the police but think you might at some point, you can have a forensic medical examination at the Hazlehurst Centre SARC in Dewsbury. You will need to book an appointment before you go - you can call them on 0330 223 3617 or email them at 

​​hazlehurstcentre.sarc@nhs.net
They will normally arrange for you to visit within 24-48 hours - if you do want forensic evidence to be collected, try and go to the SARC or police as soon as you can, and within 72 hours if possible.

 

They can also store forensic evidence for use in the future. Here is a link to their website for more information The Hazlehurst Centre, West Yorkshire SARC

 

If you want forensic evidence to be collected, try not to:

 

• eat or drink
• smoke
• wash
• brush your teeth
• change your clothes
• clean up the place where it happened

This is to preserve as much evidence as possible.

 

If you have already done some of these things, don't worry. There might still be forensic evidence to collect.

 

If you do decide to change your clothes, put the ones you were wearing in a clean plastic bag without washing them if you can.