You can get medical care after abuse or rape without deciding to report it. A doctor can treat you and record your injuries.
This is general information, not legal advice. Each service was checked against its own website on 7 November 2026. Rules change: read what the service itself says before you decide.
Who can help
Talk to your GP (NHS)
You do not have to wait for an emergency to get help. Your GP is someone you can tell about abuse.
Who it is for Anyone experiencing domestic abuse, of any gender. Abuse can be physical, emotional, sexual or financial.
First step Book an appointment with your GP and tell them what is happening, if it is safe to do so.
Good to know Some pharmacies and banks have Safe Spaces in their consultation rooms for people experiencing domestic abuse.
Sexual assault referral centres (SARCs, England)
Medical, practical and emotional support after rape or sexual assault, including forensic exams, emergency contraception and STI care.
Who it is for In England: anyone, of any gender or age, who has been raped, sexually assaulted or abused - recently or long ago.
First step Book an appointment with your nearest SARC using the NHS 'Find your nearest SARC' search.
Good to know You do not have to report to the police. Forensic samples can be stored while you decide.
NHS Scotland sexual assault response services (SARCS)
NHS care after rape or sexual assault in Scotland. You may be able to have a forensic exam without reporting to the police.
Who it is for In Scotland: anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted. There is separate information for people under 16.
First step Self-refer to SARCS by phone, 24 hours a day. A healthcare professional will call you back to arrange your care.
Sexual assault referral centres (SARCs, Wales)
NHS medical, practical and emotional support after rape or sexual assault, including forensic exams, emergency contraception and STI testing.
Who it is for In Wales: anyone, of any gender or age, who has been raped, sexually assaulted or abused - recently or long ago.
First step Book an appointment with your nearest SARC. To find the nearest one in Wales, call the Live Fear Free helpline.
Good to know You do not have to report to the police. Forensic evidence can be stored at the SARC while you decide.
The Rowan sexual assault referral centre (Northern Ireland)
24-hour care after rape or sexual assault: forensic exams, emergency contraception, HIV and STI care, emotional support and referrals.
Who it is for In Northern Ireland: children, young people, women and men who have been sexually abused, assaulted or raped, recently or in the past.
First step Contact The Rowan directly to self-refer, or go through the police. A friend or support worker can make the first call for you.
Good to know For adults, forensic evidence can be stored until you decide whether to report to the police.
Rape Crisis England & Wales
Free 24/7 support line and online chat, plus local Rape Crisis centres offering specialist support for all forms of sexual violence.
Who it is for In England and Wales: anyone aged 16 or over affected by rape, sexual assault, child sexual abuse, harassment or any sexual violence.
First step Contact the 24/7 Support Line by phone or online chat, or find your local Rape Crisis centre on their website.
Good to know The support line is not an emergency service.
Rape Crisis Scotland helpline
Confidential crisis and initial support by phone, email, webchat and text after any sexual violence, however long ago.
Who it is for In Scotland: people of all genders aged 13 or over affected by sexual violence, and their family, friends and supporters.
First step Contact the helpline by phone, webchat, email or text. Free interpreters, including BSL, can be arranged.
Good to know Calls do not show on your bill, but texts appear on an itemised bill. Webchat does not show your name or IP address.
Numbers
Live Fear Free (Wales)
Call 0808 80 10 800Text 07860 077333For anyone in Wales experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence, and anyone worried about someone. Calls are welcome in Welsh.
Phone, text, email and live chat 24/7.
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Other topics
- Money to live on in the UKMoney help in the UK when you leave an abusive partner: Universal Credit, benefits advice and free debt advice.
- A safe place to live in the UKSomewhere safe to stay in the UK when you leave abuse: refuges, council homelessness help and housing advice.
- Legal aid and free legal help in the UKLegal help in the UK when you live with abuse: legal aid for victims of domestic abuse and free legal advice lines.
- The police and court orders in the UKReporting abuse to the police in the UK, non-molestation and occupation orders, Clare's Law and support for victims of crime.
- Children and child arrangements in the UKHelp for children and parents in the UK after abuse: child arrangements, Cafcass, and when you do not have to go to mediation.
- Your immigration status if you leave in the UKIf your visa in the UK depends on your partner: the Migrant Victims of Domestic Abuse Concession and settlement as a victim of domestic abuse.
- Help for particular groups in the UKHelp in the UK for men, LGBT+ people, older and disabled people, and people facing forced marriage, from services that know your situation.