Advice zone
Rape Awareness
Rape is a crime that can have a devastating effect upon the victim.
Getting accurate figures about the numbers of rapes that take place annually is very difficult as a large number of incidents go unreported. One of the reasons for this is the shame felt by the victim, who may feel that they have brought it on themselves.
What is rape?
Put simply, rape is sex without consent.
The Sexual Offences Act 2003 amended the law on rape so that a defendant has to show that he or she has taken steps to gain consent, and that the alleged victims had the capacity, choice and freedom to give consent.
So if someone is unable to give consent due to drink or drugs, then having sex with them could lead to a charge of rape.
What do I do if I’ve been raped?
If you’ve been raped then you need to tell someone: a trusted friend or a family member, and tell them as soon as possible.
If you feel able, you should contact the police on 999. Please remember, we will take you seriously and we will deal with you in a sensitive and considerate manner. We have specially-trained officers who specialise in helping victims of rape and sexual assault. We also have sensitive interview suites and medical facilities situated away from police stations.
While you’re with us, we will take details of what happened to you and a specially trained doctor will examine you so that we can take samples for evidence. If you need medical attention, we will make sure that you get it.
What can I do if I don’t want to report it to the police?
There are organisations that help rape victims. They can help you by offering support.
National organisations:
Rape Crisis www.rapecrisis.org.uk or Survivors Trust www.thesurvivorstrust.org
Local groups:
- Savana, in Stoke-on-Trent
- Emerge in Stafford
- Sexual and Domestic Abuse and Rape Advice Centre (SARAC)
in Burton-upon-Trent.
