If you have been sexually assaulted, whether as an adult or a young person, 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.

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), 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.

If you've been sexually assaulted

If you've been sexually assaulted, there are services that can help. You don't have to report the assault to police if you don't want to. You may need time to think about what has happened to you. However, consider getting medical help as soon as possible, because you may be at risk of pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you want the crime to be investigated, the sooner a forensic medical examination takes place, the better.

The following services will also provide treatment or support, and can refer you to another service if you need more specialist help (such as a SARC):

• a doctor or practice nurse at your GP surgery
• a voluntary organisation, such as Women's Aid, Victim Support, The Survivors Trust or Survivors UK (for male victims of sexual assault)
• the 24-hour freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge, on 0808 2000 247
• the Rape Crisis national freephone helpline on 0808 802 9999 (12-2.30pm and 7-9.30pm every day of the year)
• a hospital accident and emergency (A&E) department
• a genitourinary medicine (GUM) or sexual health clinic
• a contraceptive clinic
• a young people's service
• NHS 111
• the police, or dial 101
• in an emergency, dial 999

Sexual assault referral centres

Sexual assault referral centres (SARCs) offer medical, practical and emotional support. They have specially trained doctors, nurses and support workers to care for you.

Click the link to find your nearest sexual assault referral centre.

TheSite is an organisation for young people that has made a video about what to expect if you visit a SARC.  People of all ages may find this video useful.

Help on campus

If you have been the victim of a sexual assault, there are places and people on campus you can turn to for help.

The Life Lounge

The advisors at the Life Lounge are available to listen and provide you with advice on where to go next.  You are welcome to talk to them confidentially, either about what happened, how you feel, or what you want to do now (or if you just need somewhere quiet and safe to be on campus). They can put you in touch with relevant people if you need further help or wish to take further action.

The Life Lounge brings together specialist services Mental Health and Wellbeing Services, free for students to access, which includes: Counselling, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Wellbeing Advisors and Mental Health Advisors. The Life Lounge also provides a quiet and relaxing space with resources to help you.

✆ 01204 903 566 (Life Lounge Reception

✆ 01204 903 733 (Student Services)

Email: or .

Students’ Union

The Advisors at the SU provide free, independent and confidential support to all students. Meeting with an advisor is a chance to talk things through and explore what further support is available.  Please click on this link to visit the SU website to learn more about the kind of help the advisors offer, or email to book an appointment.

Email:

If you feel you are in danger, please call the police on 999.

List of organisations and services who can help

Lifecentre

✆ 0808 802 0808 (freephone)
Textline:  07717 989 022 
Support for survivors of sexual abuse and anyone supporting them, including a helpline, text support and email counselling.

St Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre is open 24/7 and provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated forensic, counselling, and aftercare service to men and women in Greater Manchester who have experienced rape or sexual assault, whether this has happened recently or in the past:

✆ 0161 276 6515

Rape Crisis England and Wales Helpline for Female Survivors

For females who have been raped or sexually assaulted or supporting someone who has been affected.

✆ +44 (0)808 802 9999

The Pankhurst Trust/Manchester Woman's Aid information, advice, support for domestic abuse and sexual violence within relationships (including ex partners):

✆ 0161 660 7999

The Freephone 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline (England): 

✆ 0808 2000 247

24 Hour Domestic & Sexual Abuse Helpline (Northern Ireland): 

✆ 0808 802 1414

Scotland’s 24hr Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline: 

✆ 0800 027 1234

Live Fear Free 24 hour helpline (Wales): 

✆ 0808 8010 800

Respect, Men’s Advice Line: open Monday to Friday 9:00 to 17:00 

✆ 0808 801 0327

ManKind Initiative Helpline: open Monday to Friday 10:00 to 16:00 

✆ 01823 334244

Galop’s LGBT+ Helpline: open Monday, Tuesday and Friday 10:00 to 17:00, Wednesday and Thursday 10:00 to 20:00

✆ 0800 999 5428

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, and it is safe to do so, download the free mobile phone app Bright Sky for support and information.

Sources

NHS – Help after rape and sexual assault.