In an
emergency
dial 999
 

What if I have been sexually abused?

As with other areas of the website, we want to answer as many of your questions as possible. To that end, please click on one of the following questions:

 

Sexual abuse is a serious crime. It can also have devastating effects on the victims of it. There are numerous organisations that can support you through this type of abuse many of which can be accessed from the Service Directory.

Warwickshire Police will deal positively with any reports of sexual abuse, and have procedures in place to best support you through the process of making a complaint.

Will I be believed?

The most important thing to remember is that you will be believed.
 
Any of the support agencies you call will listen to your situation and offer support and advice. It is your choice about what you want to do next.
 

If you are considering contacting the police and reporting the abuse as a criminal offence click here to learn about contacting Warwickshire Police.

What will the Police do?

All Warwickshire Police operational staff including police officers and police community support officers are trained to listen in a sympathetic and supportive manner.  They will discuss options with you and refer you to support services.
 
The police have dedicated and trained staff who will talk to you about the abuse in a caring and sensitive manner.  They will explain the process to you and discuss options available to help you to come to terms with what has happened to you, and also to prosecute the perpetrator if appropriate.
 
The safety of you and your family is vital. A risk assessment will be made to reduce the risk to you and your children while the investigation takes place.
 

What do I need to do?

If you are ready, contact Warwickshire Police on 01926 415000 or, in an emergency, please dial 999.

When you report sexual abuse to Warwickshire Police, they will work closely with partners to determine how best to protect you from further harm.

For example, Warwickshire Police can help protect you within your own home. They could lend you a mobile phone so you can always call them, they can 'flag' your address so any future calls that you make will be treated as urgent, they can install an alarm within your home linked to their systems, and they can help direct you towards agencies who can help with housing.

We can refer you to support services who can help out with employment, financial planning and debt issues.

Warwickshire Police's aim is to protect you and your family. 

Sometimes the best way to protect you and your family is to seek to prosecute the person responsible for abusing you.

The result of a successful prosecution may a prison sentence or some form of community order, which will allow agencies to exercise some degree of control.

Warwickshire Police will not pressure you to support a prosecution if you feel unable to. You will receive help, whatever decision you choose to make.

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