Rape or sexual assault is a serious crime which has a significant impact upon its victims. Within Lancashire we take this extremely seriously and have set up dedicated teams to deal with these crimes with officers specially trained to provide the best service.
Sometimes people are afraid to speak to us for a wide range of reasons. However, no matter who you are, how long ago the assault happened or what took place, our prime concern is to give you the support you need. We'll listen, understand and guide you through the investigation process at a pace you're comfortable with.
When you feel ready to report
When you are ready to report the incident you can contact us by:
- Reporting online
- Calling 101
- In an emergency, where life is at risk or a crime is ongoing, dial 999
Following your initial contact a Detective will be allocated to arrange to come and speak with you at a convenient time to discuss the process, the options available to you and offer safeguarding and support. This can take place at your home or another agreed place.
Things you can do if you choose to delay reporting a rape or sexual assault
- Safeguard yourself. Lock doors and windows. Consider changing locks. If the person is known, make it clear they are not welcome at your home and make it clear you want no further contact. If they attend and you are in immediate danger then call 999. There are many safeguarding Apps which can be downloaded such as Hollie Guard app for your safety.
- Keep any clothing that was worn (including underwear and sanitary towels/tampons if applicable) at the time and immediately after the offence. Keep it in a clean plastic bag (if items are wet allow them to dry naturally before placing them in the bag).
- Any relevant text or social media messages retain a copy.
- Access support.
- Access medical support for the morning after pill and advice regarding possible Sexually Transmitted Infections. The SAFE Centre can also provide this support.
Support and help
If you feel unable to report it to us straight away, tell someone you trust. You can also speak to your GP or if you are at college or university, welfare staff and the Student Union will be able to offer help and advice.
We take investigations into rape and sexual assault very seriously. We have specially trained officers who will explain the process all the way through and help you to make a statement about what has happened. There will also be people there who can help you with any medical concerns you might have.
If you’ve ever experienced sexual violence or abuse, free, specialist and confidential support is available via the 24/7 Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line, which is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call 0808 500 2222 or visit 247sexualabusesupport.org.uk, to chat online or find out more. Delivered by Rape Crisis England & Wales, funded by UK Government.
If you have been a victim of crime, whether recently or in the past, Lancashire Victim Services are there to help. They provide emotional support, information and practical help, regardless of whether you have reported the crime to the police. All their services are free and confidential, call 0300 323 0085.
You can also self-refer to the SAFE Centre, a specialist unit at Preston Royal Hospital. They offer counselling, support and help with forensic examinations. They can be contacted on 01772 523 344. Although the service is confidential, if they believe you are in an unsafe or dangerous situation, they cannot keep this information to themselves and may have to pass details to the Police or Social Service.
Rape and sexual assault: The facts
- Sex without consent is rape.
- The overall definition of a sexual or indecent assault is an act of physical, psychological and emotional violation in the form of a sexual act, inflicted on someone without their consent. It can involve forcing or manipulating someone to witness or participate in any sexual acts.
- Consent separates sex, or a gesture of affection, from sexual assault.
What is consent?
Consent is both people agreeing to what's happening by choice and having the freedom and ability to make that choice. This short film, Tea and Consent, outlines what consent means:
Myths and facts about rape and sexual assault
Myth: Most rapes are committed by stranger
Fact: Most rapes are carried out by somebody you know and trust
Myth: Rape happens because of the way the victim is dressed
Fact: Rape has nothing to do with what the victim wears. Nobody has the right to have sex with someone without their consent
Myth: People who are drunk are partly to blame for being raped
Fact: The only person to blame is the rapist. Being drunk doesn't give anyone the right to hurt you
Myth: Rape doesn't happen to men
Fact: This is not true - men can also be raped. Rape is sex without consent regardless of whether you are male or female
Myth: If your boyfriend forces you to have sex, it is not real rape
Fact: If you have been forced to have sex by anyone, it is rape
Myth: When it comes to sex, some people say ‘no’; but they really mean ‘yes’
Fact: No means no but sometimes people may be too frightened to say anything. This doesn't mean they are consenting to sex
Myth: If you’re in a relationship it’s ok for your partner to have sex with you when you are asleep.
Fact: If you are asleep you CANNOT freely consent. This is rape.
Police Experience Survey
Are you a victim-survivor of rape or another sexual offence?
Have you ever reported the offence to the police?
Do you want to give feedback on your experience with the police?
Operation Soteria Bluestone is inviting victim-survivors of rape and other sexual offences to take part in a survey about your experience with the police. The online survey is completely anonymous.
Operation Soteria Bluestone is led by National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC) and Home Office funded research. It will result in a national operating model which will be rolled out to all 43 Home Office forces. Lancashire Constabulary has adopted this and is now one of the expansion forces within the Operation. Lancashire is concentrating its approach to rape and serious sexual offences with the force implementing dedicated RASSO teams to ensure staff with the appropriate training take ownership of investigations and look after victims.
WHY? The survey will help us understand how the police process feels to victims of rape and other sexual offences. We will use these findings to help the police improve.
WHO IS INVITED? All victim-survivors of rape and other sexual offences aged 18 and over whose case police know about. Your case may have just started, been ongoing for some time, or be closed. We want to listen to all victim-survivors.
WHO IS CONDUCTING THIS SURVEY? The survey is being conducted by academics at City, University of London, in line with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). If you respond you cannot be identified, and your data will be completely anonymous.
HOW DO I COMPLETE THIS SURVEY? You can complete this survey online in your own time, at your own pace, and at a place that feels safe and comfortable to you. It should take no more than 15 minutes to complete.
This is an academic survey conducted by City, University of London, and not a police survey. Please do not report any crimes in the survey as your response will be anonymous.
Complete the survey at tinyurl.com/1experiencesurvey