Assaults and rapes are serious crimes, whether committed by a stranger or someone you know. 

If you are attacked, call the police straight away. They need your help to catch the attacker. You can help by: 

• Taking the name or address of any witness 
• Trying to remember exactly what the attacker looked like 
• If a car was involved, trying to note the colour, model and registration number. 

You do not need to go to the police station to report an assault – you can be interviewed in your own home if you wish. These crimes are dealt with sympathetically, regardless of sex. 

Police stations have specially trained officers who will help and support you, and many areas have comfortable victim suites, separate from the police station, where you can be interviewed privately. 

Although your immediate reaction will be to wash, try not to if you can possibly help it. It will destroy vital medical evidence that will help prove the case against the person who raped or assaulted you. 

Should your case come to trial, by law your anonymity will be guaranteed if you are female, or under 18 years old. The law forbids newspapers from publishing anything that might identify you. 

Also, as a general rule, you should not be asked about your previous sexual history in court. If the violence is within your family, legal protection is possible under either civil or criminal law. 

In some cases, for example, they can require a husband or partner not to enter your home, or even your neighbourhood. 

Victim Support schemes can help you cope. Ask the police to put you in touch.