You may not wish to report it immediately, however, you may decide to report it at a later date. This is perfectly acceptable and there are steps you can take to make this easier.
If you do not wish to go to the police or feel uncertain about reporting the crime you can consider attending a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC).
You will need to contact the SARC in advance to make an appointment.
The SARCs provides a range of services to anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted. They can offer emotional support, advice on what services are available and they can help refer you to sexual health services.
Your local SARC can talk you through the different options available to you. They can collect and store forensic evidence until you are ready to make a decision on whether to report to the police or not.
Oakwood Place (located in Brentwood Community Hospital) offers free support and practical help to anyone in Essex who has experienced sexual violence and/or sexual abuse. The service is completely confidential, and you do not have to give any personal information in order to get help.
Telephone helpline (24/7): 01277 240620
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Beech House SARC offers free support and practical help to anyone in Kent and Medway who has experienced sexual violence and/or sexual abuse. The service is completely confidential, and you do not have to give any personal information in order to get help.
Telephone helpline (24/7): 0800 133 7432
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The Solace Centre offers free support and practical help to anyone in Surrey who has experienced sexual violence and/or sexual abuse. The service is completely confidential, and you do not have to give any personal information in order to get help.
Telephone helpline (24/7): 0300 130 3036
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The Saturn Centre SARC offers free support and practical help to anyone in Sussex who has experienced sexual violence and/or sexual abuse. The service is completely confidential and you do not have to give any personal information in order to get help.
Telephone helpline (24/7): 0800 033 7797
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Rape Crisis Centres, like SARCS, also offer an Independent Sexual Violence Adviser and other specialist services.
Has a specialist student ISVA service offering practical and emotional support and advice specifically for students who are survivors of sexual violence, either recent or historic. The specialist student ISVAs are there for anyone in education with links to colleges and universities, making the situation easier for those dealing with trauma whilst continuing to study.
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Provides an ISVA service offering emotional and practical advice and support for people who have experienced rape, sexual abuse or any other type of sexual violence at any time in their lives. The service is open to female and male survivors, aged 13 and over.
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.