Helpful Resources

There is much support available for you in preparation for going to court as well as during the trial itself. It is good to know what going to court involves and what the possible outcomes to your court case are.

If you have been recently raped or sexually assaulted then it is important that you preserve forensic evidence on your body as soon as possible by reporting to the police or to a Sexual Assault Referral Centre. Read more below, including one survivor’s account.

If you decide to report your assault to the police, you will be treated sensitively and with confidentiality. We at Lifecentre can support you through the process.

Deciding whether to report the sexual assault you have suffered can be very difficult. This article outlines some of the things you might like to think about when making the decision and how we can support you.

Sometimes people ask us things like “Have I been raped?” or “What is sexual abuse?” Here are some answers and definitions to help with any questions you might have.

When faced with traumatic threat, if neither escape nor fighting are possible, our bodies choose a third option: to freeze. Many survivors of sexual abuse go into a ‘freeze state’ whilst the abuse is taking place, as a way of surviving. Some people feel guilt or shame for freezing, but it is not your fault. Find out why in this article.