Support Resources for Survivors

United Kingdom | You are not alone. Help is available.

⚠ī¸ IF YOU ARE IN IMMEDIATE DANGER OR NEED URGENT MEDICAL ATTENTION, CALL 999

📞 Quick Reference - Key Helplines

Rape Crisis 0808 500 2222 Emergency 999 NHS 111

đŸ‡Ŧ🇧 England & Wales - National Services

Rape Crisis England & Wales - 24/7 Support Line 📞 0808 500 2222

Free, confidential, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year

Available for ages 16+. Online chat also available via their website.

Emotional support, information on medical and forensic care, help arranging Independent Sexual Violence Advocates (ISVAs).

The Survivors Trust 📞 0808 801 0818

Support for women, men and children who have survived rape, sexual violence or childhood sexual abuse. Can help find local support organisations across UK & Ireland.

National Domestic Abuse Helpline (Refuge) 📞 0808 2000 247

24-hour freephone support run by Refuge.

🏴ķ §ķ ĸķ ŗķ Ŗķ ´ķ ŋ Scotland

Rape Crisis Scotland 📞 08088 010302

Helpline available 6pm to midnight daily.

Information available in multiple languages including Punjabi, Urdu, Mandarin Chinese, Arabic, Polish, French, Spanish, Slovakian, and British Sign Language videos.

NHS Inform 📞 0800 22 44 33

For information on accessing SARCs and other healthcare support.

🏴ķ §ķ ĸķ Žķ Šķ ˛ķ ŋ Northern Ireland

The Rowan - Sexual Assault Referral Centre 📞 0800 389 4424

Regional SARC for Northern Ireland, 24 hours a day, year-round.

Medical and practical support without needing to report to police first.

👨 Support for Men, Boys & Non-Binary Survivors

Safeline - National Male Survivors Helpline 📞 0808 800 5005

Emotional support via telephone, text message and email for male survivors.

Survivors UK 📞 0808 801 0332

Phone: Monday-Friday 10am-12pm only

WhatsApp/SMS: 07860 031252 (7 days a week, 12pm-8pm)

Specialist support for men, trans, and non-binary people (aged 18+) who have experienced sexual violence. Online webchat also available.

MSAS / The Saturn Centre (Kent, Surrey, Sussex) 📞 0330 223 0099

24/7/365 male-specific support service. Can book appointments and provide referrals.

đŸĨ Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs)

What is a SARC?

SARCs provide confidential medical and practical support to anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted. They are usually provided by the NHS and operate 24 hours a day.

You do NOT need to report to the police to use a SARC.

At a SARC you can:

To find your nearest SARC: Contact your local Rape Crisis centre or call NHS 111 for advice on where to go.

Timing matters: If the assault happened recently, try to avoid showering, washing, brushing teeth, changing clothes, or cleaning the area where the assault occurred before a SARC examination (if you choose to have one). This helps preserve potential forensic evidence - but only do what feels right for you.

🛡ī¸ PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) for HIV

What is PEP?

PEP is emergency medication that can prevent HIV infection after potential exposure. It consists of antiretroviral drugs taken for 28 days.

⏰ TIME IS CRITICAL: PEP must be started within 72 hours of exposure. Ideally within 24 hours. Effectiveness decreases sharply after this window closes.

Who Can Access PEP on the NHS?

PEP is available free on the NHS if you meet clinical eligibility criteria (BASHH/BHIVA 2021 guidelines). This includes:

Where to Get PEP in the UK

When Where
During clinic hours Sexual health or HIV clinic (best option)
Evenings/weekends/bank holidays Accident & Emergency (A&E) department
GP surgeries ❌ Not normally available

What Happens When You Access PEP

  1. Risk assessment: A clinician will assess your exposure risk
  2. Baseline HIV test: To confirm you don't already have HIV
  3. Counselling: Discussion about PEP, side effects, and adherence
  4. Prescription: Typically 28 days of antiretroviral medication
  5. Follow-up testing: HIV test at 12 weeks after exposure
Important limitations: PEP is NOT a 'morning after pill' for HIV. It's not guaranteed to work. It only protects against HIV - it does NOT protect against other STIs or unplanned pregnancy. You may need separate emergency contraception and STI testing/treatment.

Side Effects

Some people experience side effects including nausea, fatigue, headaches, or diarrhoea. Most are manageable. Tell your healthcare provider if side effects become severe - do not stop taking the medication without medical advice.

đŸŠē Medical Support

⚖ī¸ Reporting to Police

Your choice: Whether or not to report to police is entirely yours. You can still access support regardless of whether you report.

Mandated Reporting: If you are a child or vulnerable adult, certain professionals may be required to report. Local support services can explain what applies in your situation.

💔 Childhood Abuse Survivors

NAPAC (National Association for People Abused in Childhood) 📞 0808 801 0331

Support for adult survivors of all types of childhood abuse.

Childline (for under 19s) 📞 0800 1111

Free, confidential counselling for children and young people.

đŸ’Ŧ Additional Support Options

🌍 Important Information

Immigration Status: Rape Crisis England & Wales confirms you can access their service regardless of immigration status - you do not need to have leave to remain in the UK.
All Genders Welcome: Services exist for people of all genders. While some centres specialise in supporting women, many are open to everyone.
No Time Limit: You can contact these services no matter when the assault happened - recent or many years ago.
Free Services: All helplines and SARC services listed are free to use. NHS services are free regardless of immigration status.

🌐 Useful Websites

This page provides general information and does not constitute legal or medical advice.

Information sourced from UK-based support organisations including Rape Crisis England & Wales, Rape Crisis Scotland, NHS, and government resources.

Last updated: August 2026 | If you need help right now, please call one of the numbers above.