Everyone is affected differently by sexual violence. How you are feeling, and what you want to do, will depend on your own experience and circumstances. This is no right or wrong way to feel.

If you want to speak with someone about what has happened to you, or about anything else on this page, please contact us on 01786 439244 or email support@forthvalleyrapecrisis.org.uk or phone the Rape Crisis Helpline free on 08088 01 03 02 (every day 5pm to midnight).

If you have just been raped or sexually assaulted:

• Try to be somewhere that feels safe.
• Keep warm.
• If possible, see if a friend or someone you trust can be with you.
• If you need medical attention contact your doctor, A&E or phone NHS 24 on 111 (www.nhs24.com).
• If you think you would like to report the incident to the police, phone 101 or 999 and keep evidence.
• You might not feel like reporting now, but you might in time. So keep the clothes you were wearing at the time of the assault or anything else that might have evidence (blood, saliva, semen). Don’t wash these things. Put them in a clean plastic bag.
• If you wash yourself, use safe products, not household cleaning products as they can harm you.
• If there is a possibility of pregnancy you may want to take emergency contraception which can be effective up to 5 days after the incident. You can get this free from a GP, pharmacy or Forth Valley Sexual Health.
• You may want to do a pregnancy test. Your GP or sexual health clinic can do this. You can also buy pregnancy testing kits in pharmacies and supermarkets. They are accurate approximately 2-3 weeks after conception.
• It may be a good idea to get tested for any sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as prompt treatment can prevent you from becoming ill later on. You can be tested at a sexual health clinic. They will offer you fully confidential information, treatment and advice. You do not need a letter from your doctor. You do not have to give your name or say that you have been raped or sexually assaulted. You can take a friend with you or a support worker from Forth Valley Rape Crisis Centre may be able to go to this appointment with you.
• Phone the RCS Helpline or Forth Valley Rape Crisis Centre for advice and support.