What is rape or sexual assault?

Rape is any form of sexual activity that you don't agree to, ranging from touching to penetration. Rape or sexual assault is a crime even if you already know the person who attacked you – if you are married, if the person is a partner or former partner, another family member, or a friend or someone you work with. It's a crime even if you didn't fight back. It's a crime even if you were drinking, taking drugs, given drugs or unconscious. Anyone can be raped or sexually assaulted -- men and women, children and elderly people.

What should I do if I've been raped or sexually assaulted?

If you have been raped, you should first get to a safe place and if your health is at immediate risk, call the emergency services on 999.

If your health is not at immediate risk and you want to report the crime, notify the police straight away. Reporting the crime can help to ensure your safety and the safety of other potential victims.

The St Mary's Centre in Manchester provides support, advice and counselling for people who have been raped or sexually abused. Even if you do not wish to contact the police, they can arrange for you to be seen by an examiner, who can document any findings and collect evidence for use at a later date, if you do decide to contact the police at some stage. You can find their contact number in the directory on this site or go to their website at  www.stmaryscentre.org