Reporting an incidence of sexual violence

If the assault has just occurred, you might want to consider whether you feel safe where you are.

If you or others feel at risk or consider the situation to be an emergency, you can call the Police or an ambulance on 999. If you are in University accommodation, you can alert the reception desk or the residential adviser. For incidents on other University premises you can call the University Security Office on 0151 231 2222.

If the situation is not an emergency, you may want to take some time to think things through or to talk to someone you trust. You might want to contact a friend or a member of staff for support. Staff within Student Advice and Wellbeing Services can advise you on your options and assist with any referrals you might wish to make.

Each person’s reaction to sexual assault or rape can differ as will the effect that it has on you.

You might be in shock so trying to be somewhere that feels safe and comfortable might help.

If you:

• suspect you were given any type of drug, it is best to be tested within 24 hours.
• want emergency contraception, the medication should be started within 72 hours.
• would like HIV prophylaxis, (PEPSE - a combination of drugs that can prevent HIV infection) the medication should ideally be started within 12 hours. It must be taken within 72 hours.
• have any forensic evidence collected can be stored whilst you decide what to do next. Please see section below on the collection of forensic evidence.

It is up to you to choose what kind of support you want to access, but you might want to consider getting medical attention even if you do not want to report the assault to the Police.

For more information on reporting see the Merseyside Police website.

Reporting at a police station or attending a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) such as Safe Place can be a lengthy process that can take a few hours. So, bringing a supportive friend or relative along might be helpful. It might be worth bringing a set of spare clothes if you have not changed since the assault, as the Police might need to keep them as evidence.