Sexual Assault
Please call 999 now, if you are in danger or need medical help right now.
You always have the right to say no to sex. You can say no if you've said yes before. You can say no halfway through. You can say no to someone you are dating or married to.
Sexual assault is any sex act you did not consent to. It can happen to anyone, no matter their age, gender, or sexuality.
People who experience sexual assault might react in a number of ways. They might fight. They might freeze. They might go along with it to avoid further harm. No response is the 'right' one.
Find out more about people who can help below.
Sexual assault is any sex act you did not consent to. It can happen to anyone, no matter their age, gender, or sexuality.
People who experience sexual assault might react in a number of ways. They might fight. They might freeze. They might go along with it to avoid further harm. No response is the 'right' one.
Find out more about people who can help below.
How We Can Help
After this type of assault, you might have health worries. We can offer care and advice about:
Testing for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
You might worry about STIs. Taking a test could give you peace of mind.
Most tests don't require a physical exam. They are quick and easy to do. You can take one at home or in the clinic.
You can't test for STIs straight away. This is because you could test negative, even if you do have an STI. The time you need to wait (the window period) depends on the STI. We can help you to test at the right times.
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
You might worry about catching HIV. You can lower your risk by taking PEP.
It's best if you start PEP within 24 hours of your assault. You can take it up to 72 hours after. If it has been longer than 72 hours, it won't work.
The sooner you take PEP the better. If we are closed, don't wait until we are open to get PEP. You can get it from other places, like SARC and A&E.
Pregnancy
You might worry about getting pregnant.
We can offer emergency contraception. This is a drug or device that you use after unprotected sex. If you want, we can also talk about ongoing contraception.
We might offer you a pregnancy test. This depends on how long it has been since the sexual assault. If it is less than three weeks, you might not get an accurate result.
Contact us
If you need help, please get in touch:
Testing for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
You might worry about STIs. Taking a test could give you peace of mind.
Most tests don't require a physical exam. They are quick and easy to do. You can take one at home or in the clinic.
You can't test for STIs straight away. This is because you could test negative, even if you do have an STI. The time you need to wait (the window period) depends on the STI. We can help you to test at the right times.
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
You might worry about catching HIV. You can lower your risk by taking PEP.
It's best if you start PEP within 24 hours of your assault. You can take it up to 72 hours after. If it has been longer than 72 hours, it won't work.
The sooner you take PEP the better. If we are closed, don't wait until we are open to get PEP. You can get it from other places, like SARC and A&E.
Pregnancy
You might worry about getting pregnant.
We can offer emergency contraception. This is a drug or device that you use after unprotected sex. If you want, we can also talk about ongoing contraception.
We might offer you a pregnancy test. This depends on how long it has been since the sexual assault. If it is less than three weeks, you might not get an accurate result.
Contact us
If you need help, please get in touch:
- Call us on 01642 924117
- Come to one of our walk-in sessions
Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC)
The SARC offers support to survivors of sexual assault over 16 years old. Their team can:
You should go to the SARC as soon as you can after your assault. You should take the clothes you were wearing at the time of the assault. This will help them collect evidence.
SARC Teesside is in Middlesbrough. They also have a 24-hour phone line: 0333 344 8283
There are SARCs all over the country. You can find your nearest on the NHS website.
- check out and log your injuries.
- take forensic samples and store evidence.
- refer you to counselling or other services.
You should go to the SARC as soon as you can after your assault. You should take the clothes you were wearing at the time of the assault. This will help them collect evidence.
SARC Teesside is in Middlesbrough. They also have a 24-hour phone line: 0333 344 8283
There are SARCs all over the country. You can find your nearest on the NHS website.
Police Reporting
We are not linked to the police. We may contact them if we have safety concerns. Otherwise, we will not talk to the police without your consent.
You can talk to the police at any time after your assault. It is never too late to report it.
You can report it by:
You can talk to the police at any time after your assault. It is never too late to report it.
You can report it by:
- Calling 999
- Going to your local police station. If you don't know where that is, you can call 101.
- Filling in the form on the Cleveland Police website.