Your call will usually be taken by a specially trained police officer (STO) who has received training in helping people who have been raped, sexually assaulted or sexually abused.

They will want some information about what has happened to you and some basic details like your name and address. They will understand that you may be in distress and they will try to help you as quickly as possible.

An STO will meet with you face to face as soon as possible and ask you what has happened and look at the circumstances of the assault. They will make a note of everything you say and make sure you get the right support and information quickly.

They will offer you an appointment to attend SAFE Place Merseyside Liverpool or Saint Mary’s Centre so that we can assess your medical needs, collect any forensic medical evidence that could be used in an investigation and also refer you for ongoing support.

The examination that takes place is conducted as part of the police investigation into a criminal offence. The police may also need to gather other evidence. This might come from where the assault took place. If the suspect has been apprehended they may take medical evidence from them or any other relevant people or places.

The police may also want to interview you in order to take a full account of what happened and under what circumstances. You can provide this as a written statement or using a video recording. The police will discuss this with you, but the decision is yours. An Independent Sexual Violence Advisor can support you through this interview, this interview can also take place at the Saint Mary’s Centre if that is what you want.