Rape & sexual violence

A rape or sexual offence can vary in severity but in all cases it involves being pressurised or forced to engage in or become part of a sexual act against your will.

There are no excuses and it is important for victims to remember:

  • There are no excuses for rape or sexual assault.
  • If you are in a relationship with someone and they force you to have sex, or do something sexual against your will, it is still rape or sexual assault.
  • Rape and sexual assault are an abuse of power.
  • No-one asks for it.
  • No-one deserves it.

Reporting offences

Humberside Police take any report of a sexual assault or rape seriously and incidents are investigated by specially trained officers in Public Protection Units. These officers are committed to bringing offenders to justice and offering support and care to victims.

The force deal positively and promptly with any incident we attend and work alongside highly trained non-police advisors to assist with your care.

If the situation is an emergency call 999 and an officer will attend and if possible arrest the perpetrator and take action.

Following an offence you can attend any police station in person or contact the Humberside Police on 101.

Support

The Humberside Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) is a partnership project between NHS partners, Humberside Police, Rape Crisis and other voluntary and statutory sector partner agencies. It is for all victims of serious sexual assault or rape, of all ages and regardless of gender or sexual orientation.

It is a client focused, ‘one stop’ location where victims of serious sexual assault or rape can receive medical care, access to a high standard of forensic examination, counselling and support. It provides victims with the opportunity at the same time or in the future (if this is their choice) to assist the police investigation into alleged offences.

Benefits of the SARC include an increase in overall victim confidence and potential physical and mental health and well being. You can access the service by calling 01482 305037.

It's important to remember that there are lots of organisations that help victims of rape and sexual assault. These include:

Rape Crisis – 0808 802 9999 -  www.rapecrisis.org.uk  
Women Against Rape -   www.womenagainstrape.net 
MPower (Men) - 0808 808 4321 -  www.male-rape.org.uk
NSPCC - 0808 800 5000 -  www.nspcc.org.uk

How to stay safe

Often sexual offences are committed while women or men are under the influence of alcohol after a night out.

Humberside Police offer the following advice to help prevent you becoming a victim of a sexual assault while on a night out:

  • Drink spiking is rare, but always protect your drink. Don’t accept drinks from strangers.
  • Stay with your friends on nights out as there is safety in numbers.
  • Don't take controlled substances on nights out.
  • Don’t drink to excess.
  • Plan your journey home in advance by arranging to book a taxi home or making use of the night bus services on a Friday and Saturday.
  • Never use an unregistered taxi. Either hail a black cab or book a licensed taxi.
  • Do not walk home alone. If you believe you are being followed run to safety.