If you have been raped or sexually assaulted:
You are not to blame. The person who raped or assaulted you is to blame
You do not have to cope alone
There are many support services which can help you. They know how difficult it is for people to come forward. They will respect you and believe you.
If you’ve just been raped or sexually assaulted it is important to consider the possibilities of injury, pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections (STI), and whether or not you want to go the police. The amount of support and help you receive at this time can help you to overcome the initial shock and disruption to your life.
Edinburgh Rape Crisis offer support as soon as possible to those who have experienced a recent or attempted rape or sexual assault (within 7 days). You can contact them by calling Rape Crisis Scotland’s helpline on 08088 010302 (freephone, 6pm – midnight every day), phoning their support line on 0131 556 9437 and leaving a message or by emailing their support service at support@ercc.scot.
If you have been sexually assaulted, it may be hard to know what to do or how to feel. What happened was not your fault. What you do next is your choice.
What to consider
Are you in immediate danger? If you are in immediate danger or seriously injured, you can call 999 (or 112 from a mobile).
Finding a safe space. If an incident has just happened try and find somewhere you feel safe. If this isn't possible and you are scared or fearful you can call University Security on 0131 455 6119.
Do you have any injuries? If you have any physical symptoms after an assault you should seek medical help. If this is more than a very minor injury, or if you were unconscious for even a short time, you should go to Accident and Emergency. If you can, it may be helpful to take a friend or family member with you. It is up to you how much information you provide, but the hospital staff will be able to offer you better advice if they are aware of the circumstances.
Sexual assault is a crime of power and control. You can get information and help to explore your options from Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre.
Talk
To a friend. Talking things through with someone you trust can sometimes help.
Rape Crisis Scotland can also offer support to those who have experienced a recent or attempted rape or sexual assault. Contact them by calling Rape Crisis Scotland’s helpline on 08088 010302 (freephone, 6pm – midnight every day), phoning their support line on 0131 556 9437 and leaving a message or by emailing their support service at support@ercc.scot.
Turn to SARCS: The NHS Scotland sexual assault self-referral phone service can help to arrange care for you in the days following a rape or sexual assault. The service may be able to arrange for you to have a forensic medical examination (FME) at a SARCS without making a report to the police. You can phone the sexual assault self-referral phone service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 0800 148 88 88. Calls are free from landlines and mobiles.
Turn to SARCS: The NHS Scotland sexual assault self-referral phone service can help to arrange care for you in the days following a rape or sexual assault. The service may be able to arrange for you to have a forensic medical examination (FME) at a SARCS without making a report to the police. You can phone the sexual assault self-referral phone service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 0800 148 88 88. Calls are free from landlines and mobiles.
Archway Homepage | Archway Glasgow If you are unsure about whether you want to report to the police but would like to have the option to report in the future you can use the Archway Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Glasgow for a forensic medical examination by a specialist female doctor/nurse. They’ll take forensic evidence and check for STIs. Archway is for anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted in the last 7 days aged 13 and over. If you are over the age of 16, you do not need to report to the police unless you want to. They are based at 6 Sandyford Place, Glasgow G3 7NB, telephone: 0141 211 8175.
Report
Reporting to the police. If you're thinking of reporting to the police, ERCC has helpful information and advice on their web site.
Reporting the incident anonymously. You can call crime stoppers at any point on 0800 555 111 or use their online form.
Report and Support: Students, staff and visitors can report an incident using the University’s Report and Support system. You can choose to do this anonymously or you can request support from a trained University Adviser. If you choose to talk to an Adviser they will be able to talk through the options and support available to you, in confidence.
Get Support
Take care of yourself. It’s important that you take care of yourself. If you’ve experienced something distressing or if something is troubling you, the University's Wellbeing Service offers confidential help for students and staff can use the University’s Employee Assistance Programme service with MCL Medics.