Sexual assault & rape
Sexual violence can happen to anyone, and it is never your fault. If you’ve experienced sexual assault or rape — recently or in the past — support is available. This page will help you find the right service, whether that’s medical care, someone to talk to, or advice on reporting.
Confidential support
Free, confidential help whenever you’re ready to talk.
Whoever you are
Support for women, men, LGBTQ+ people, and children.
Recent or non-recent
Help is available whether this happened last night or years ago.
Understanding sexual assault & consent
What is sexual assault?
Sexual assault is any sexual activity that happens without consent. It includes rape, unwanted touching, and other sexual acts. It can be carried out by a stranger or by someone you know, and can also happen when someone has been spiked. Anyone can experience sexual assault — women, men, LGBTQ+ people, and children.
What is consent?
Consent means everyone agreeing to what’s happening, by choice, with the freedom and ability to make and change that choice. Sex without consent is rape. Understanding consent can help you make sense of what happened to you, and why it wasn’t your fault.
Has this happened recently? Contact’s Nottingham’s Topaz Centre
If something has happened in the last few days, try to contact your local Sexual Assault Referral Centre as soon as possible — even if you’re unsure what happened. In Nottinghamshire, that’s the Topaz Centre, offering free, confidential support 24 hours a day, with or without police involvement. They can also collect forensic evidence, so if you think you might want to report later, try not to wash or brush your teeth beforehand, and keep any relevant clothing or messages safe.
Contact The Topaz Centre — 0330 223 0099 (24/7)
Reporting to the Police
Reporting to the police is your choice, and you can take your time deciding. You don’t need to report to access support. If you do want to report, these services can help you through it — or you can go directly to the police.
In an emergency? Always call 999.
- The Topaz Centre can support you with reporting, whenever you’re ready.
- Nottinghamshire Sexual Violence Support Services can support you with reporting.
- You can report directly online, or call 101 anytime — it’s available 24/7.
Find the right support service
The Topaz Centre
Nottinghamshire’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre. Free, confidential support for anyone who has experienced rape or sexual assault in the last seven days, including medical care and forensic evidence collection — oral samples within 48 hours, vaginal samples within 7 days.
Call 0330 223 0099 (24/7) or email notts.sarc@nhs.net
- Emotional, medical, and practical support.
- Can assess for emergency contraception or HIV, PEPSE and hepatitis B vaccines.
- Optional forensic medical examination and evidence collection.
Nottinghamshire sexual violence support services
Support for anyone affected by sexual violence, at any point in their life, whatever their race, gender, or sexual orientation. They can arrange medical or emotional support and help you access the Your Journey guide.
Call 0115 941 0440 — Mon–Fri 10am–1pm, 4.30pm–7.30pm; Sat 10am–1pm
Children and young people’s support
If a child is in immediate danger, call 999.
The East Midlands Children and Young People’s Sexual Assault Service, SV2, and the NSPCC all offer specialist support and advice for under-18s and for parents seeking help on a child’s behalf.
- NHS East Midlands Children and Young People’s Sexual Assault Service — 0800 183 0023 (24/7).
- SV2: Call 01773 746 115 (Mon –Fri 9am – 5pm), or email help@sv2.org.uk.
- NSPCC: helpline 0808 800 5000 11am – 5pm Mon- Friday. Or email help@NSPCC.org.uk.
Support for students
Students at the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University can access confidential, non-judgemental support through their universities’ Report and Support services and Sexual Violence Liaison Officers — without needing to make a formal complaint.
CPS guidance (survivors & witnesses)
The Crown Prosecution Service website has clear guidance for survivors of rape and serious sexual offences.
From the menu, select “Victim and Witness,” then “Specific information for victims of rape and serious sexual offences.” There you’ll find their guide, “What happens when a case comes to the CPS.”
- Support available.
- How CPS works with Police.
- Decisions on your case.
- Hearings and trial process.
- Giving evidence with special measures.
- Verdict, sentencing, and appeals.
Related resources
Frequently asked questions
Not sure where to start? These are the questions we’re asked most often about sexual assault and rape support — from getting help quickly to reporting, self-swabbing kits, and support for children and students. If you can’t find what you need here, our support services above can guide you further.
How do I get help quickly?
If this happened in the last few days, contact the Topaz Centre on 0330 223 0099 — they’re available 24 hours a day and can support you whether or not you decide to report to the police.
I’m under 18 — where can I get help?
SV2 and the NSPCC both offer support designed for under-18s. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 straight away.
Should I use a self-test or self-swabbing kit?
We’d recommend visiting a Sexual Assault Referral Centre like Topaz instead. Self-taken swabs can affect the results of a later medical examination and may not be usable as evidence if you decide to report.
What if this happened a long time ago?
It’s never too late to get support. Nottinghamshire Sexual Violence Support Services offer counselling, advocacy, and signposting for anyone affected by sexual violence, however long ago it happened.
I’m a student — is there support for me?
Yes. Both the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University have confidential support services and trained Sexual Violence Liaison Officers you can contact directly.
Do I have to report to the police to get support?
No. Support, counselling, and medical care are all available whether or not you choose to report. The decision is entirely yours.
Have you experienced sexual violence from a partner, ex, or family member? Submit a referral
Whether it’s sexual assault, rape, or abuse from a partner or family member, you can talk to us in confidence. We’re here Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4.30pm, excluding bank holidays, until 7.30pm on Wednesdays, with a 24/7 confidential answerphone outside these times.
helpline@equation.org.uk
Phone
0800 995 6999 (Men’s)
LGBTQ@equation.org.uk
Phone
03300 880787 (LGBTQ)
Still not sure about making a referral?
That’s completely okay. If you’d like to talk things through first, you can have an informal, no‑pressure chat with us. We’re here to help you decide what feels right for you.
Complete the form below for help and support or for a professional referral
We aim to contact you within 1-2 business days.