PART 01
The judicial process
Reporting · police investigation · CPS · charging · court · verdict · sentencing · appeals — every stage explained gently, so you know what to expect before you decide anything.
Open the judicial process guideSEXUAL VIOLENCE — YOUR CALM GUIDE
You decide. You set the pace.
Whether you reported yesterday, ten years ago, or never — this calm guide belongs to you. Read what helps. Skip what doesn't. Come back any time. Choose your nation below so we can show you the right agencies, laws and specialist support.
READING FOR
The law is different across the UK. Tap the nation that fits your situation — we'll show the right content and remember your choice on other pages. Northern Ireland: follow England & Wales guidance for now.
BEFORE YOU READ ON
You are believed. It was not your fault.
However you froze, fawned, complied or went quiet — that was your nervous system keeping you alive, not consent. What happened is not because of what you wore, what you said, what you didn't say, or who you trusted.
You do not have to report to deserve help. You set the pace.
YOU ARE BELIEVED · YOU ARE NOT ALONE
In immediate danger or just attacked?
Call 999. For free 24/7 specialist support call Rape Crisis on 0808 802 9999. You can also walk into a SARC for medical care without reporting.
QUICK HELP · TAP TO CALL
All helplinesIF YOU'RE DOUBTING YOURSELF
Was that assault?
A calm, plain-language guide for anyone unsure whether what happened counts — with a section quietly answering the “but…” thoughts that stop survivors naming it.
WHAT THIS GUIDE COVERS
Four calm parts — start anywhere
PART 02
Your rights & ISVAs
Lifetime anonymity, an ISVA by your side, special measures in court, your Victim Personal Statement, the Victims' Right to Review — 10 protections UK law guarantees you.
Read your rightsPART 03
Trauma & healing
The 5 trauma responses (freeze, fawn, fight, flight, flop), why your body did what it did, common after-effects, short explainer videos and grounding tools you can use right now.
Understand the responsePART 04
Specialist SV helplines
Free confidential UK services — Rape Crisis, The Survivors Trust, SurvivorsUK, Mankind Initiative, Galop and SARCs. You do not need to have reported to access any of these.
Browse helplinesWHEN YOU'RE READY
Something private, just for you
Guided journal
A calm 8-step trauma-informed reflection — at your own pace, in this browser only.
Private journal
A free, simple notebook. Stays in your browser. Never uploaded anywhere.
Information adapted from Rape Crisis (England & Wales) and Rape Crisis Scotland, the Crown Prosecution Service and COPFS, the Victims' Codes, NHS, Mind, PTSD UK and gov.uk / mygov.scot. This is not legal advice — for legal advice please speak to a solicitor, your ISVA (E&W) or your Rape Crisis Scotland advocacy worker.