Help after rape and sexual assault
Not ready to talk? Find out how The Bridge can help you
Professionals
We provide advice and online resources to help you offer the right support to your patients.
Friends & Family
Has someone you know been affected by sexual assault or rape? Find out how you can help, and the support we can offer you.
When did this happen?
7 days ago or less?
8 days ago or more?
Your 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 adult samples for 26 months and children’s (14-18 year olds who self-refer) samples until you are 25 years old. Annually you can call/email us to extend the storage by 12 months at a time. 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
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.