Victims and Witnesses of Crime
Reporting Rape
We understand that it is difficult for a victim of rape to come forward and report it to the Police. We are aware that sometimes the media has made it difficult to report a case of rape by suggesting that it may be dealt with less than sympathetically.
If you have been the victim of Rape we can reassure you that you will be treated sensitively, with compassion and empathy by specially trained experienced investigators who will put you first and support you through the whole process from beginning to end.
Both men and women can be victims of rape and we understand that it may be difficult for you to come to us if this has happened to you.
The below links to the Hertfordshire Constabulary site and we understand that if you have been raped you may or may not wish to report the crime to the police but also gives you other options for help support and advice by referring yourself to a sexual assault referral centre.
Victims of rape who may not want police involvement or are unsure of what action they should take will have the ability to self refer to the SARC. This is a sexual offences referral centre which looks after victims of rape and other serious sexual offences. They will be provided with advice on the options that are available to them and receive healthcare support in terms of sexual health screening and access to a counseling service.
Individuals can self refer by contacting the free telephone number:
0808 178 4448. This is a 24 hour service.
Victims of rape and serious sexual assault who self refer will be spoken to by a trained crises worker who will provide all necessary advice and support. The crises worker will outline all available options to the victim including the option to refer the incident to the Police.
The crisis worker will respect the wishes of the victim and implement the procedures according to their wishes. This will include cases where the victim is unsure of what action to take and procedures are in place to secure potential forensic evidence should the victim choose to report the assault to the Police at a later time.
If you would like to report a rape, you have two options. You can contact the police directly. To do so, please click here.
Alternatively, if you would prefer not to speak to the police, you can go for the self referral option. To do this, please click here.
In addition, the 
Rape Crisis website may be able to assist you.