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Every survivor has rights.
Every survivor has rights.
Whether you choose to report what happened, seek support, explore your options, or do nothing at all right now, the choice is yours.
There is no “right” way to respond to childhood sexual abuse. Some people report immediately. Others report years or decades later. Some never report and focus instead on healing and support.
This guide explains your rights, the reporting options available in England and Wales, and what you can expect if you decide to disclose or report abuse.
1. Your Rights as a Survivor
You Have the Right to Be Treated with Dignity and Respect
If you disclose childhood sexual abuse to a professional, you have the right to be treated with sensitivity, respect, and without judgement.
You should be listened to, supported, and given clear information about your options.
You Have the Right to Report at Any Time
There is no time limit for reporting child sexual abuse to the police in England and Wales.
Many survivors report abuse years or even decades after it happened. Historic allegations can still be investigated.
If you decide to report, the age of the allegation does not automatically prevent police from taking action.
You Have the Right to Support
You do not have to go through this alone.
Support may be available through:
Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVAs)
Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs)
specialist survivor organisations
counselling and mental health services
safeguarding services
workplace or educational support services
You do not usually need to report to the police to access support.
You Have the Right to Privacy
The law provides lifelong anonymity for complainants in sexual offence cases.
This means the media cannot legally identify you as a complainant in most circumstances.
You Have the Right to Make Your Own Decisions
Reporting abuse is your choice.
You can ask questions, seek advice, and take time to decide what feels right for you.
If you choose to engage with the criminal justice process, you can discuss your concerns and preferences with police and support professionals throughout the process.
You Have the Right to Information
If you report abuse, you have the right to receive information about the progress of your case and to understand decisions that affect you.
The Victims’ Code sets out these rights and explains what support should be available.
2. Reporting Options
There is more than one way to disclose abuse.
You can choose the option that feels safest and most appropriate for your circumstances.
A. Reporting to the Police
You can report childhood sexual abuse:
by telephone
online
in person at a police station
through a trusted professional
with support from an ISVA or advocate
Police will listen to your account, explain available options, assess any safeguarding concerns, and discuss the next steps with you.
Reporting does not automatically mean a case will go to court.
B. Third-Party Reporting
In some circumstances, information can be shared with police through a professional or support organisation.
This may allow information to be recorded and considered without requiring immediate direct engagement with investigators.
The availability of third-party reporting varies between police forces and services.
C. Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs)
SARCs provide specialist support for people affected by sexual violence.
Services may include:
medical care
forensic examinations
crisis support
safeguarding assistance
referrals to specialist services
You can usually access a SARC whether or not you wish to involve the police.
Staff can explain the options available and help you make informed decisions.
D. Disclosure to Other Professionals
Some survivors choose to disclose abuse to:
a GP
a therapist or counsellor
a social worker
a safeguarding professional
a specialist survivor organisation
Many people find that talking to a trusted professional is an important first step before deciding whether to make a formal report.
3. What Happens if You Report?
Every case is different, but the process often includes the following stages.
Initial Contact
A police officer or specialist investigator will speak with you about what happened.
They should explain:
what the reporting process involves
what support is available
what may happen next
any safeguarding concerns that need to be addressed
You can ask questions at any stage.
Providing a Statement
You may be asked to give a statement about your experience.
This may be provided in writing, recorded on video, or completed through another approved process.
You can request breaks, ask questions, and discuss support arrangements during the interview process.
Investigation
Police may gather evidence by:
interviewing witnesses
reviewing records
examining digital evidence
assessing potential risks to others
seeking additional information relevant to the allegation
You will not be expected to confront the person you have accused.
Charging Decisions
If sufficient evidence is identified, police may refer the case to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
The CPS decides whether the legal test for prosecution has been met.
You should be informed about decisions made and, where appropriate, the reasons for those decisions.
If the Case Goes to Court
Some cases proceed to court and others do not.
If a case reaches court, survivors may be entitled to special measures designed to help them give evidence.
These may include:
giving evidence by video link
screens in the courtroom
separate waiting areas
assistance from support professionals
The court will decide which measures are appropriate.
If the Case Does Not Proceed
A decision not to prosecute does not mean that abuse did not happen.
Criminal cases require evidence that meets a specific legal threshold.
A decision not to proceed may reflect evidential requirements rather than the truth or validity of a survivor’s experience.
Support remains available regardless of the outcome.
4. Your Rights Under the Victims’ Code
The Victims’ Code sets out the rights of victims within the criminal justice system.
These rights include:
being treated with dignity and respect
receiving information about available support
being kept informed about your case
making a Victim Personal Statement
requesting a review of certain decisions
being referred to support services
receiving protection where there are concerns about intimidation or harassment
These rights apply regardless of when the abuse occurred.
5. If You Are Not Ready to Report
Many survivors are not ready to report.
Some never choose to report.
Both choices are valid.
You can still access:
emotional support
counselling
therapy
advocacy
safeguarding assistance
medical care
information about your options
You do not need to report abuse in order to deserve support.
There is no deadline on healing.
There is no correct timeline for disclosure.
Your pace is the right pace.
References
Crown Prosecution Service (2023) Rape and Sexual Offences – Legal Guidance. Available at: https://www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/rape-and-sexual-offences-overview (Accessed: June 2026).
Home Office (2025) Code of Practice for Victims of Crime in England and Wales (Victims’ Code). London: Home Office.
Ministry of Justice (2022) Achieving Best Evidence in Criminal Proceedings: Guidance on Interviewing Victims and Witnesses and Guidance on Using Special Measures. London: Ministry of Justice.
Office for National Statistics (2023) Child Sexual Abuse in England and Wales: Prevalence and Victim Experiences. Newport: ONS.
NHS England (2024) Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs). Available at: https://www.nhs.uk (Accessed: June 2026).
Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales (2024) Victims’ Rights and Entitlements. Available at: https://victimscommissioner.org.uk (Accessed: June 2026).
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