If you have experienced a sexual assault, please try to make your way to a place where you feel safe, for example, the home of a close friend or family member, or a hospital.
Once you are safe, we encourage you to follow these steps:
Tell someone what happened
If you are feeling able to, consider telling someone you trust what has happened.
Some options of who you could talk to include:
- a friend or family member
- a specialised support organisation such as, the Live Fear Free helpline which provides 24 hour, 7 days a week support and guidance for anyone who has experienced sexual violence or domestic abuse. You can email them at info@livefearfreehelpline.wales or call +44(0)808 8010 800
- you could also seek support from South Wales Victim Support or The Survivors Trust, ManKind or Stonewall
- your local Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC). SARCs are an extremely supportive local resource. We have included more information about contacting your local SARC on this page
- the police, by calling 101, reporting online, or attending your local station
If you feel at imminent risk of serious harm you should contact the emergency services by calling 999.
Preserve evidence
If you have been raped or assaulted in the last 7 days, you may be able to preserve forensic evidence, even if you do not wish to report what has happened to the police. Evidence is best preserved within 72 hours of the assault occurring. Find further information from Cardiff's Sexual Assault Referral Centre and New Pathways.
Although it can be very difficult, please try to resist the urge to wash yourself or your clothes until you have decided whether to report what happened to the police.
You should also try to avoid:
- brushing your teeth (keep your toothbrush in a sealed bag if you do)
- eating or drinking
- going to the toilet
- smoking
The police may need to gather evidence such as DNA if you decide to report what has happened. Ideally, medical evidence should be collected within 72 hours (three days) of the attack.
Consider your ongoing safety
It is important to consider things such as:
- were your keys or ID taken and does the perpetrator know where you live? If so, you may want to get urgent advice about changing your locks.
- does the person responsible still pose a threat?
- do they live with you or know where you live? If so, you may want to ask the university about safe accommodation and any financial needs associated with moving. You can contact the University's Student Support Intervention Team for advice and support with this Monday to Friday 09:00-16:30. Outside of these hours contact University Security by calling: +44 (0)29 2087 4444.
If you do not feel in immediate danger and have not experienced an incident of violence and abuse recently, but you are concerned about your safety in the future, it might be helpful to consider:
- is there anyone you can alert for future support?
- can you make a list of names/contact information for who you can go to
- is there another student or a staff member you trust and can talk to?
Your sexual health
If you have been the victim of a sexual offence, we strongly recommend that you seek treatment for sexually transmitted infections and diseases, as well as an emergency contraceptive. The Integrated Sexual Health Clinic at Cardiff Royal Infirmary provide a full sexual health and contraceptive service.
Further support
Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC)
The Cardiff SARC is called Ynys Saff, or Safe Island. You can contact Ynys Saff on: +44(0)29 2033 5795. It is located within Cardiff Royal Infirmary, Glossop Road, CF24 0SZ.
If you are in Wales, and Cardiff is not your local SARC, you can search for your local SARC, please use search term: ‘sexual health’.
If you are in England, you can search for your local SARC. Please note that SARCs are not yet set up in all areas of Wales and England. You can contact your GP or surgery, or 111 for advice on where else to seek support.
If you live outside of England and Wales, you can contact your local GPs surgery or 111 for advice on where to seek support.