Your Rights, Your Voice: A Guide for Survivors of Sexual Violence and Those Who Support Them

Empowering victims and their supporters through understanding rights, reporting processes, and available resources.

If you’re here because something painful has happened — or someone you care about has been harmed — let’s start with this: you deserve to be heard, believed, and supported. Reporting sexual violence can feel overwhelming. But understanding the process — and your rights — can make it feel a little less daunting.

This guide breaks it down, step by step, in clear, simple terms, rooted in guidance from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and survivor-led best practice.

🌱 What Is a Sexual Offence?

Sexual offences include rape, sexual assault, and any unwanted sexual contact or activity. The law is clear: consent must be freely and actively given. If someone is asleep, unconscious, scared, coerced, or too intoxicated — that’s not consent. And that’s not your fault.

📞 Reporting to Police: Your Choice, Your Timeline

You can report a sexual offence:

• Right away — especially if you want forensic evidence collected.

• Later — even years later. There’s no legal deadline.

• Informally — to log the crime without pressing charges yet.

What happens if you report?

1. You’ll speak to trained officers, possibly giving a video-recorded statement.

2. If the assault was recent, a forensic medical exam may be offered — always with your permission.

3. Police will investigate: they might collect CCTV, speak to witnesses, or ask about texts or phone records. You can have a supporter present for all of this.

⚖️ When the CPS Gets Involved

The CPS is the body that decides whether to charge the suspect. Here’s what they consider:

• Is there enough evidence for a realistic conviction?

• Is it in the public interest to prosecute?

If both answers are yes, the case may go to court. The CPS guidance (updated January 2024) now includes tougher rules around tackling rape myths and ensuring survivors are treated with care, respect, and dignity.

🏛️ Court Process — and Your Protection

If a case goes to court:

• You may give evidence in person or via video.

• You can ask for special measures — screens, a separate waiting room, or giving evidence in private.

• The law limits questioning about your sexual history. That’s your right.

• You are the complainant — not the one on trial.

Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVAs) are available to support you emotionally and practically throughout the case.

🤝 For Family, Friends, Colleagues

If someone you love discloses an assault:

• Believe them. That moment is crucial.

• Let them control the pace — don’t push for police or “proof”.

• Encourage professional support, whether legal, medical, or emotional.

If you’re unsure how to help, ask: “What do you need right now?”

✅ Survivors Have Rights

Under the Victims’ Code, you have the right to:

• Be treated with respect and sensitivity.

• Be updated on your case.

• Request a review if the CPS decides not to prosecute (this is called the Victims' Right to Review).

• Access support — no matter what you decide.

You Are Not Alone — And Your Voice Matters

Whether you report today, next year, or never — what happened to you matters. You deserve support, respect, and a justice process that works for you. Healing isn’t linear, but you don’t have to walk the path alone.

🛟 Support Services for Survivors and Allies

Whether you're seeking help for yourself or supporting someone else, these organisations offer free, confidential support across England and Wales:

💜 Refuge

24/7 National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 🌐 refuge.org.uk 📧 supportercare@refuge.org.uk 📞 General Enquiries: 020 7395 7700 Specialist services for women and children experiencing domestic abuse, including emergency accommodation, legal advocacy, and tech abuse support. Website includes a quick exit button for safety.

🏠 Hestia

📞 Main Line: 020 7378 3100 📧 info@hestia.org 🌐 hestia.org 📧 Referrals: hestia.referrals@hestia.org Provides refuge spaces, IDVA support, and community-based services across London and the South East. Also runs the Bright Sky app for discreet safety planning.

🌸 Women’s Aid

📞 24/7 Helpline (via Refuge): 0808 2000 247 🌐 womensaid.org.uk 📧 info@womensaid.org.uk 📧 helpline@womensaid.org.uk Offers a Live Chat, Survivors’ Forum, and the Survivor’s Handbook. Their Directory helps you find local services.

⚖️ Centre for Women’s Justice (CWJ)

📞 Office: 020 7092 1807 📧 info@centreforwomensjustice.org.uk 🌐 centreforwomensjustice.org.uk A legal charity holding the state accountable for failures to protect women and girls. Their Support Directory lists services for survivors, including those from marginalised communities.

🌼 Women and Girls Network (WGN)

📞 Advice Line: 0808 801 0660 (Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm; Wed late: 6–9pm) 📧 advice@wgn.org.uk 🌐 wgn.org.uk 📞 West London Rape Crisis Centre: 0208 567 7347 📞 Young Women’s Services: 0203 985 6994 Free, trauma-informed support for women and girls (14+) in London affected by gender-based violence. Includes counselling, advocacy, and group healing spaces.

🧭 Rape Crisis England & Wales

📞 24/7 Helpline: 0808 802 9999 🌐 rapecrisis.org.uk 📧 info@rapecrisis.org.uk Offers emotional support, advocacy, and referrals to local centres. Also provides a Live Chat and resources for survivors and supporters.

🛡️ Victim Support

📞 24/7 Supportline: 0808 16 89 111 🌐 victimsupport.org.uk 📧 supportline@victimsupport.org.uk Provides emotional and practical support for anyone affected by crime. Includes My Support Space, an interactive self-help platform.

🧑‍⚖️ The Witness Service (Citizens Advice)

🌐 citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/witness-service Supports victims and witnesses going to court. Offers pre-trial visits, emotional support, and someone to accompany you in court.

💬 Sexual Abuse Support Campaign (Gov.uk)

🌐 sexualabusesupport.campaign.gov.uk A government-backed hub with survivor stories, FAQs, and links to local services. Includes guidance for friends and family.

💰 Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)

🌐 gov.uk/criminal-injuries-compensation You may be eligible for compensation if you’ve suffered harm from a violent crime. Applications can be made online, with support available from Victim Support.