We know how difficult it can be to report sexual crime, and we will not pressure you to speak to us. We know people do not report these crimes for lots of different reasons.

If you have been raped or sexually assaulted:  

• you do not have to cope on your own
• there are many organisations that can help you

If you do decide to report it, we will:

• listen to you
• show respect
• investigate thoroughly

If you want to tell us about rape or sexual crime, you can report it online, by phone, or in person.

Call 999 now if:

• someone is in danger
• you need help now
• a serious incident is happening or about to happen

Report it using our online form

Learn about other ways you can report a crime to us

If you use British Sign Language you can use the following video interpreting services:

• contact 999 BSL in an emergency
• contact Scotland BSL if it’s not an emergency

What to expect when you speak to us

You’ll always be treated with respect and dignity when you speak to us. Our priority is to make sure you get any medical help you need and are not in danger.

Our investigation will involve getting details of the assault.

When you first contact us

When you first contact us, we’ll ask:

• your details and contact details
• if you’re in danger
• if you need medical help
• if is the person who assaulted you is nearby
• when and where the assault happened
• what happened
• if you know the name or can describe the person who assaulted you
• if it happened in the last 7 days (so we can get forensic evidence)
• if you’d prefer to speak to female or male officers

If it has been less than 7 days, we’ll ask if you still have the clothing worn at the time. If you do, we ask that you do not wash them as this may help us to gather forensic evidence.

If you do not have it or you’ve washed them, you can still report it.

When you first meet with officers

When you give a summary of what happened, we will:

• come to see you in uniform
• arrange any access needs for you, such as an interpreter or an appropriate adult
• meet you at a time and place that suits you
• ask more questions to summarise what happened
• gather non-intimate evidence such as hand or mouth swabs, if you feel comfortable

After this meeting, a sexual offences liaison officer may meet you. They’re specialised in dealing with these types of crime.

When you meet the sexual liaison offences officer

If you’re asked to meet the sexual offences liaison officer, they will:

• come to the meeting in casual clothes or a suit
• aim to contact you within 24 hours, or as soon as they can
• ask for a full statement
• ask if you want a friend, family member, or support worker there for support
• book an appointment at NHS sexual assault response coordination service (SARCS) for an examination by trained NHS staff, if you want to go

What happens when you report a sexual crime in Scotland

A video from Rape Crisis Scotland gives a step-by-step summary of what happens when you report a sexual crime to us or self-refer to the NHS.

It explains what you can expect as you go through each stage of Scotland's criminal justice system.

Learn what happens step-by-step when you report a sexual crime (Rape Crisis Scotland)

If it’s been less than 7 days

If you have experienced rape or sexual assault in the last 7 days, and you want to report it, it can be helpful if you:

• try not to wash
• keep your clothes unwashed in a bag

If you contact us, we’ll ask if you want to get medical help.

If you do not want to contact us, you can:

• go to the NHS sexual assault response coordination service for medical examination and help for any injuries and the risk of pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections
• contact Rape Crisis Scotland for support

If you go to the NHS SARCS, they can take forensic evidence samples such as swabs. They can keep these for 26 months. This means you can report the assault to us later if you want to.

If it’s been more than 7 days

If it’s been more than 7 days, you can:

• report it to us (there is no time limit)
• contact the NHS sexual assault response coordination service for advice (you might still be examined depending on the assault)
• contact Rape Crisis Scotland for support

We want to listen and get things right.

If you've reported a sexual crime to us, you can give us feedback.

The feedback is anonymous and helps us to understand how we can improve our response and service.