Women

Everyone has the right to live free of unwanted attention, harassment and abuse.

Minor sexual assault

This is more likely to happen in crowded places. It includes being touched or rubbed against. It can be hard to know who is doing this, so it is often better to move away if possible. Try to move to where there are other women. If you feel confident to do so, a stern ‘take your hands off me' may make the person stop. This will also alert other people to their behaviour.

Sexual assault and rape

Despite popular belief, rape by a stranger is very uncommon.

Sexual assault and rape are more likely to happen in less busy areas. You can reduce the risk of this type of attack by following our general personal safety tips too.

If you are attacked, you must decide whether to defend yourself, which may put you at risk of further injury. Or it may not be possible to defend yourself.

Either way, it is not your fault if you have been raped. You may or may not want to report it to the police, or to see a nurse or counsellor.

The police are specially trained to work with women who have been sexually assaulted. You will be able to talk to a female police officer and to a female doctor or nurse if you go to the hospital. If you want to report the crime straightaway, whether you get medical help or go straight to the police, try not to wash or change your clothes. If you want to report the crime at a later date, this is ok too.

If you know someone who has been raped, try to be supportive, but do not be judgmental. It's up to them what they do now.

For more information:

Rape Crisis
Telephone: 0115 900 3560

Victim Support
Telephone: 0845 303 0900