As with other areas of the website, we want to answer as many of your questions as possible. To that end, please click on one of the following questions:

• Will I be believed?
• My health
• What will the Police do?
• What do I need to do?

Sexual abuse is a serious crime. It can also have devastating effects on the victims of it. There are organisations that can support you through this type of abuse:

• Filling the Gaps - Directory of South West support services for the victims and survivors of domestic and sexual abuse (779KB - pdf help)

Devon and Cornwall Police will deal positively with any reports of sexual abuse, and have procedures in place to best support you through the process of making a complaint.

Will I be believed?

The most important thing to remember is that you will be believed.

Any of the support agencies you call will listen to your situation and offer support and advice. It is your choice about what you want to do next.

If you are considering contacting the police and reporting the abuse as a criminal offence click here to learn about contacting Devon and Cornwall Police.

My health

Your general and sexual health is very important. We would encourage you to have any injuries recorded and your sexual health checked. It may be that you are undecided whether to report to the police at this time, but any evidence gathered could be used at a later date for criminal or civil proceedings, should you wish. The most effective form of evidence is taken from a forensic examination, which the police can arrange for you.

If you feel able to talk to your GP about what has happened, they would be able to record your injuries and check your sexual health. If you feel unable to talk to your GP, you can attend a local GUM/sexual health clinic where you can be anonymous, receive treatments and updates. The staff are trained specialists and their approach is one of understanding, sensitivity and professionalism.

What will the Police do?

All Devon and Cornwall Police operational staff including police officers and police community support officers are trained to listen in a sympathetic and supportive manner. They will discuss options with you and refer you to support services.

The police have dedicated and trained staff who will talk to you about the abuse in a caring and sensitive manner. They will explain the process to you and discuss options available to help you to come to terms with what has happened to you, and alsoto prosecute the perpetrator if appropriate.

The safety of you and your family is vital. A risk assessment will be made to reduce the risk to you and your children while the investigation takes place.

What do I need to do?

If you are ready, contact Devon and Cornwall Police on x or, in an emergency, please dial 999.

When you report sexual abuse to Devon and Cornwall  Police, they will work closely with partners to determine how best to protect you from further harm.

For example, Devon and Cornwall Police can help protect you within your own home. They could lend you a mobile phone so you can always call them, they can 'flag' your address so any future calls that you make willbe treated as urgent, they can install an alarm within your home linked to their systems, and they can help direct you towards agencies who can help with housing.

We can refer you to support services who can help out with employment, financial planning and debt issues.

Devon and Cornwall Police's aim is to protect you and your family.

Sometimes the best way to protect you and your family is to seek to prosecute the person responsible for abusing you.

The result of a successful prosecution may a prison sentence or some form of community order, which will allow agencies to exercise some degree of control.

Devon and Cornwall Police will not pressure you to support a prosecution if you feel unable to. You will receive help, whatever decision you choose to make.