Important notice:

We understand that the current COVID-19 pandemic is a worrying time for many people.

We have adjusted some of the ways in which we work to help keep you, your support system, other professionals and our staff safe but we are still here, no matter what; if you have experienced rape or sexual assault /sexual abuse at any time.

General guidance about visiting the University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust site is available here.

Help after rape and sexual assault

For 24/7 access to the best recovery services

Call 0117 342 6999

Not ready to talk? Find out how The Bridge can help you

I’m a Woman

I’m a Man

I’m LGBT+

I’m Under 18

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We provide advice and online resources to help you offer the right support to your patients.

More information

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Has someone you know been affected by sexual assault or rape? Find out how you can help, and the support we can offer you.

Advice and support

When did this happen?

Less than 8 days ago?

More than 8 days ago?

your-choicesYour choices

I do not want to report to the police

  • Call The Bridge on 0117 342 6999
  • A Crisis Worker will listen to what has happened to you and explain how we can help
  • We can arrange for a Doctor or Nurse to examine you, to check you are ok and look for forensic evidence*, if this is what you choose to go ahead with
  • We will store forensic samples for 2 years. If you decide to report to the police, the samples can be used as evidence in their investigation
  • You can have an examination even if you have already washed, although there may be more DNA evidence on your body, if you feel able to wait until after an examination
  • We will make sure that your sexual health is looked after, including providing you with medication, if necessary
  • We can give you emergency contraception if needed
  • We will offer you practical and emotional support, including counselling, and will arrange this support for you

*Forensic timescales vary (this means that for different types of assault, there are different lengths of time that we can look for DNA evidence, ring The Bridge on 0117 342 6999 to discuss how we can help you and your situation).

I want to report to the police

  • Call the police on 101 or 999
  • A Specially Trained Officer will come to speak with you
  • The Officer may call The Bridge to arrange for a Doctor or Nurse to examine you, to check you are ok and to look for forensic evidence*
  • You can have an examination even if you have already washed, although there may be more DNA evidence on your body if you feel able to wait until after an examination
  • We will make sure that your sexual health is looked after, including providing you with medication, if necessary
  • We can give you emergency contraception if needed
  • After you leave The Bridge, an Independent Sexual Violence Adviser can support you with the police investigation
  • We will offer you practical and emotional support, including counselling, and will arrange this support for you

*Forensic timescales vary (this means that for different types of assault, there are different lengths of time that we can look for DNA evidence, ring The Bridge on 0117 342 6999 to discuss how we can help you and your situation).

I do not want to report to the police

  • Call The Bridge on 0117 342 6999.
  • A Crisis Worker will listen carefully and supportively to understand what happened to you, when it happened and what your situation is now
  • The Crisis Worker will explain what support is available to you and help you to decide on your next steps
  • You do not have to tell the Crisis Worker your name or contact details unless you choose to.
  • If you do give us your name and contact details, the Crisis Worker will help to arrange any support that you decide you want
  • The support we can arrange includes sexual health care, advocacy and counselling

I want to report to the police

  • Call the police on 101 or 999
  • A Specially Trained Officer will come to speak with you
  • The Officer will give The Bridge your details and ask us to contact you to offer you support
  • The Officer will arrange for you to complete a video interview
  • An Independent Sexual Violence Advisor can support you when you meet with the police for this interview. If you have not heard from an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor before your interview, talk to your allocated police officer or call The Bridge
  • Other support that The Bridge can arrange includes sexual health care and counselling

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Here, no matter what. Find out who we are and how we can help.

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Are you ready to get in touch? We’re here 24/7, 365 days a year.

Contact us

Experiences

All the staff have been so friendly and welcoming, and very kind. I was supported from the very first contact, and overall, could not have gone through the past few years without this wonderful service.  A major asset to our NHS service, and one that I hope is able to reach as many individuals as need it.