I or someone I know has experienced an unwanted sexual incident

An unwanted sexual incident is being pressured or forced to have sex or sexual activity.

We are here to help you, please call us now. Calls are always treated in confidence.

Calls during office hours

01609 643100

Need help outside of our office hours?

0808 168 9293

Call 101

to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response

Call 999

to report a crime that is in progress or if someone is in immediate danger

When you report a sexual assault the police will take a detailed information from you no matter when it happened. However you do not have to report a crime in order to receive support.

Unwanted sexual incidents are often not reported because the victim feels trapped and alone. The truth is, it can happen to anybody, and there is support available.

Steps you can take

If you think you are experiencing any unwanted sexual activity, or have done in the past, you must always remember that you can get support and help. Nothing that has happened to you is your fault.

You may feel that no-one can help, but just talking to someone here about what you are going through will make you realise that there are people on your side. We can help you understand what is happening and guide you to specialist organisations who can support you moving forward.

If you are unsure, go with your instincts. Anything that doesn’t feel right probably isn’t. You may be entitled to support through an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (IVSA). The video below outlines what an ISVA does and how they can help…

What does an ISVA do?

View video transcript

Frequently asked questions

Will anyone believe me? I don’t have any proof

When you report a sexual assault the police will take detailed information from you no matter when it happened. However, you do not have to report a crime in order to receive support.

Whether a case goes to court or not you should still be referred to appropriate support agencies who can help you overcome the impacts of crime.

What support do you offer?

To self-refer to a sexual abuse service following a rape or sexual assault for dedicated support please contact the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) on 0330 223 2642 (9am-5pm) 24 hour answer phone; or fill in their contact form https://www.bridgehousesarc.org. Out of hours helpline 0330 223 0099

The SARC works closely with our specialist sexual and domestic abuse service IDAS, and can arrange dedicated support through an ISVA. Alternatively please ring IDAS on 03000 110 110 or fill in their self-referral form https://www.idas.org.uk/contact/make-a-referral/

Services for children and young people who have been sexually assaulted

Mountain Healthcare provides a specialist service for children and young people from birth in North Yorkshire, who have disclosed or where it is suspected that sexual assault or abuse may have happened.

Referrals can only be made from the police or children’s social care, and the service cannot see young people under the age of 16 without a social worker or the police being involved.

When a child or young person attends the service, they will attend with either a social worker or police officer and one or both of their parents/carers.

The young person can talk to the nurse or doctor about what has happened and they can have a physical examination to check they are ok. Any immediate treatment can be provided at that time as necessary; if appropriate any forensic evidence will also be collected.

The ‘Centre of expertise on child sexual abuse’ have produced a short film explaining the examination that takes place when there are concerns of child sexual abuse.

A specialist Crisis Worker will be available to talk through options and make referrals into other specialist support services for aftercare such as sexual health, Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVAs) and counselling services.

The service covers all of North Yorkshire and the City of York.

Please note that this is not a self-referral service, and so this means it is not confidential, unlike the Adult Sexual Assault Referral Centre

Why can it take so long for sexual violence cases to come to court?

The majority of cases that are going to be ‘heard’ at the Crown Court take a long time. This is due to a number of things such as pressure on the court system and the length of time it takes for the Crown Prosecution Service and defence lawyers to build their case.

If you are being supported by an ISVA (Independent Sexual Violence Advisor), they will keep you informed at every stage of the court process and explain what is happening.