There is no right or wrong way to feel following an incident of sexual assault or rape. What happened was not your fault. What you do next is your choice.
Safety. Prioritise feeling safe. If you do not feel safe then you can contact emergency services on 999 and LSE security team on 020 7955 6555.
Speak to a trusted person. Reach out to someone you know and trust. Rape Crisis have a 24/7 helpline available on 0808 500 2222.
Sexual Assault Referral Centre's can offer confidential medical and practical support to anyone who has been recently raped or sexual assaulted. There are SARC's located in London and these are called The Havens. To contact them for urgent advice and appointment bookings call 020 3299 6900. This number is available 24/7.
Key information about the SARC
You have full choice and freedom as to what help you receive at the SARC.
You do not need to report to the police to access support from the SARC.
All genders and sexualities are welcome at the SARC.
Attending the SARC as soon as you can following an incident can be helpful with regards to gathering forensic evidence.
The SARC offers the following services:
Forensic medical examination. The SARC will safely store any forensic evidence while you take time to decide whether you want to report.
Medical help for any injuries.
Pregnancy and STI tests/ treatment.
Click here to understand What happens at the Havens | The Havens
LSE security team can arrange for transport to and from the Havens and you can be accompanied to the appointment by a friend, family member or partner.
If you are considering a forensic medical examination, and potentially reporting the incident, try not to:
Eat or drink.
Smoke.
Wash any part of your body (including your hair)
Brush your teeth. If you have brushed your teeth, place your used toothbrush into a clean paper bag.
Change your clothes.
Go to the toilet or discard any tampons or sanitary towels. If you have to go to the toilet, you can do this into a clean container.
Tidy the area where the assault took place.
If you have already done these things do not worry, it is not too late to collect evidence, you can:
Place any clothes that have been removed, or bed sheets or used condoms into separate clean paper (not plastic) bags with a note of when this was done. These can be stored in the freezer to preserve them for longer.
Preserve any other possible evidence (e.g. photos, text messages or email trails)
LSE security services can cordon off areas as a crime scene and advise the student/member of staff on the preservation of evidence and in some cases, store it.
LSE security service will have access to CCTV and access data.
Time limits
There are time limits on collecting forensic evidence, therefore you should contact the Havens as soon as you feel able to following an incident to get their advice and guidance.
LSE CCTV footage is replaced every 28 days.
HIV prophylaxis should be started within 36 hours.
Emergency contraception should be started within 72 hours.
The Havens recommend that you have a full sexual health screening two to three weeks following a sexual assault as sexually transmitted infections can have a major impact on your health and it is important that you get the right treatment as soon as possible. It’s up to you which services you use for any follow-up care. There are a number of options. You can attend your local sexual health clinic or access a home testing kit from Sexual Health London. If you wish to discuss this further, please call the Havens.
Get Support from LSE
Find support at LSE : Student and staff at LSE have access to free and confidential support, please consider reaching out.
Student view: Support for students (lse.ac.uk)
Staff view: Support for staff (lse.ac.uk)