Personal safety for women
Everyone has the right to live free of unwanted attention,
harassment and abuse. You have this right, whoever you are,
whatever your race, background, religion or sexuality, however you
dress or act.
No one has the right to interfere with this, whether they are
strangers, colleagues, friends, acquaintances or family.
Minor sexual assault
This is more likely to happen in crowded places. It includes
being touched or rubbed against.
It can be hard to know who is doing this, so it is often easier
to move away, if this is possible. Try to move to where there are
other women.
If you feel confident to do so, a stern 'take your hands off me'
may make the person stop. This will also alert other people to
their behaviour.
Sexual assault and rape
Despite popular beliefs, rape by a stranger is very uncommon.
Sexual assault and rape are more likely to happen in less busy
areas. You can reduce the risk of this type of attack by following
the general guidance earlier in this section.
If you are attacked, you must decide whether to defend yourself,
which may put you at risk of further injury. Or it may not be
possible to defend yourself. Either way, you did not ask to be
raped. It is not your fault. You did not deserve it.
If you have been raped, you may or may not want to report it to the
police, or to see a nurse or counsellor.
- See the advice on domestic violence for more information about
abuse within a relationship.
- See the advice on 'date rape'.
- Also see the advice on hate crime.
The police are specially trained to work with women who have
been sexually assaulted. You will be able to talk to a female
police officer, and to a female doctor or nurse if you go to
hospital.
If you want to report the crime straightaway, whether you get
medical help or go straight to the police, try not to wash or
change your clothes. If you want to report the crime at a later
date, this is okay too.
If you know someone who has been raped, try to be supportive,
but do not be judgemental. It is up to them what they do now.
For more information:
- Phone Rape Crisis on 0115 900 3560
- Phone the Victim Supportline on 0845 303
0900