Below are a range of options available to the person disclosing. You can
explore these with someone, remembering it is up to each person to decide
what they want to do – even if this is different to what you want them to do.
Ask if they want to report to the police.
This can be for a recent or non-recent assault.
YES – Call 999
Police response
The police response will vary depending on
how recently the assault has occurred.
Where possible, it will involve collection of
evidence such as condom, bedding, clothing
present at scene. It may also involve an Early
Evidence Kit or a forensic medical examination.
Statements will be taken which may include
video statements.
In developing a referral pathway, universities
should work with their local police and Sexual
Assault Referral Centre (SARC) to ensure that
their referral pathway clearly sets out what the
process will be depending on how recently the
assault took place and what support is
available. This is essential in providing
individuals with clear information to explain
their options.
The pathway should also provide information
on the local SARC and also NHS services to
address any sexual health needs – such as
emergency contraception and drugs to prevent
STIs and HIV.
NO/UNSURE
Reassure the student that it is ok to not know
what to do and that s/he is in control of the
process. S/he does not have to report to the
police if s/he does not want to.
KEY CONSIDERATIONS:
You can let the person know about evidence and its
preservation. Explain that even without reporting to
the police, they can attend a Sexual Assault Referral
Centre (SARC) and give anonymous details of the
incident. Attendance at the SARC may also enable
any forensic evidence to be gathered and for
emergency sexual health needs to be addressed
(emergency contraception and drugs to prevent STIs
and HIV). The student can decide about reporting to
the police at a later date.
SAFEGUARDING: If there is an immediate safety
concern it is important to follow the university
safeguarding procedure. It is important that this is
explained to the person disclosing IN FULL.
If there is no immediate risk, DO NOT call
emergency or support service without
explicit consent
Let the person disclosing know about independent specialist support
services available. Services will differ by location. Institutions should ensure
the referral pathway signposts to the nearest available services.
National Rape Crisis Helpline - 0808 802 9999
Independent Sexual Violence Advocates (ISVA)
Counselling/Psychotherapy
http://rapecrisis.org.uk/centres.php
Organisation / Institution Considerations and Support Available
Self-care: It is important that as a worker you look after yourself after receiving a
disclosure. This could include speaking to an appropriate person in your team or
within
a specialist service should you need it. You’re best placed to know what
you
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need and what would help at this time.