Report rape and sexual assault
It is a serious crime to pressure or force someone to have sex, or engage in sexual activity with them, knowing they do not consent. Anyone can be raped or sexually assaulted regardless of their sex, gender or sexuality.
If you have been sexually assaulted, whether as an adult or a young person, there is support available to you whether you choose to report it to the police or not.
We encourage reporting what has happened, but understand it can be a difficult decision to make.
Making a report is not the same as agreeing to a full investigation, or being required to attend court, we will always discuss what you would like to happen.
Avon and Somerset Police is leading a national programme to improve police response to, and investigation of, rape and serious sexual assaults. They have specialist detectives who have improved criminal justice outcomes significantly by being suspect-focused, victim-centred and context-led.
Report it to the police
You can report the crime to the police:
- Fill in the online form
- Call us on 999
- Visit your local police station
If possible:
- Keep the clothes (including underwear and sanitary products) you were wearing and do not wash them
- Try not to shower
There may be forensic evidence that the offender may have left behind. This may help us prove what has happened.
Report non-recent cases
It can take a long time to be ready to talk to someone about what happened. Even if the rape, sexual assault or abuse happened a long time ago you can still report it, and we may still be able to investigate.
Report it to a support group
If you do not want to report it to the police, you can contact independent support groups for advice and support. These organisations will not make you report the assault to the police if you do not want to.
What happens after a report is made?
Anonymous reports
If you are not ready for us to know who you are, sharing the details of the suspect and the circumstance is still important.
You can use the online form to make a report. Intelligence checks will be conducted on the details you provide, to identify whether anything needs to be done to protect others.
If you choose not to provide your details, we will not be able to contact you after checks have been completed. Your report will be recorded and then closed, but will remain on the crime recording system.
Recent incidents
Your report may be transferred directly to the Control Room. This is to ensure a police officer contacts you as soon as possible, to make sure you are safe and collect any evidence.
You may be asked not to shower and to keep any clothing, underwear and sanitary products you were wearing at the time of the assault, or immediately after, because they may provide forensic evidence.
We may offer to take you to a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) to collect forensic evidence. It is very important that this is done only by an authorised NHS Forensic Clinician. Having an appointment at a SARC will also ensure that you receive appropriate sexual health care and support after an assault.
If you have already showered or washed your clothes, do not worry, we can still investigate your report, and may still be able to collect forensic evidence.
Non-recent incidents
The crime will be allocated directly to the relevant investigation team, unless there are immediate safety concerns to address or urgent actions that the police need to take.
The investigation team will contact you to take further details about your report. They will do this as soon as possible.
You can read more information regarding making a report in the Complainant Information Booklet (PDF).