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It happened some time ago

Were you raped, sexually abused, sexually assaulted, or sexually harassed months, years, or even decades ago? Were here for you no matter when it happened.

Whether you were an adult and/or a child when it happened, sexual violence can have a big impact on your health, life, and relationships. Some of these can last a long time.

You might:

  • Feel angry or upset.
  • Feel anxious, scared, panicked, or on edge.
  • Have disturbing and intrusive thoughts or memories.
  • Have nightmares or sleep problems.
  • Feel numb, like you are daydreaming, or that you are detached from reality.
  • Have low self-esteem, feel ashamed, or blame yourself for what happened.

Whether some of these things happen to you or not - or whether you live with other effects of sexual violence not listed here - your experience is real, valid, and yours. There's no right or wrong way to be or feel after rape, sexual abuse or other types of sexual violence.

More about feelings after sexual violence

How you are affected by rape, sexual assault or sexual abuse is never your fault.

No-one should ever make you feel that you are making a 'big deal' out of what happened or should 'get over it'.

Your feelings and experiences are real and valid. Many victims and survivors find that sexual violence has a long-term effect on their lives and their wellbeing.

Woman outside in a purple coat looks thoughtfully into the distance. [Woman outside in a purple coat looks thoughtfully into the distance.]

I spent years thinking that there was something wrong with me. I often felt like I was watching my life on a screen. Sometimes, something totally normal would make me freeze or panic. It was only after I went to counselling I learned I wasnt crazy or attention-seeking instead it was a response to the trauma I'd been through.

Getting support

Many people who want to get support from Rape Crisis experienced rape, sexual assault, sexual abuse or another type of sexual violence a year or more ago.

In fact:

  • 1 in 3 adult survivors of child sexual abuse only tell someone about what happened to them later in life.
  • 1 in 3 Rape Crisis Centre service users in England and Wales are adult survivors of child sexual abuse.

Even if it happened a long time ago, you can still talk to us. We will always listen to you, believe you and never judge you.

Talk to us


Reporting to the police

No matter when it happened, you can still make a report to the police.

There are no time limits for reporting sexual offences like rape and sexual assault under the current Sexual Offences Act 2002.

That said, if the crime happened before 2002, then it may fall under the previous Sexual Offences Act 1956, which did have time limits for reporting in specific circumstances. If this is the case, you can still report it, but the police may need to handle your case differently.

You might be worried that there wont be enough evidence for the police to start an investigation. But, although they wont be able to get any forensic evidence, your account of what happened is important evidence too.

Whether or not you report to the police should always be your choice. No-one should put you under any pressure to make a report. In fact, many victims and survivors choose not to go to the police.

Find out more

Want to find out more?

We have lots of information to help you understand more about your feelings.

Our self-help tools for victims and survivors cover difficult feelings, grounding techniques, self-care and more.

Find out more
Illustration of a woman sitting with her hand on her chest and stomach, practicing breathing to reduce anxiety. There is a hot drink, some books and a candle around her. [Illustration of a woman sitting with her hand on her chest and stomach, practicing breathing to reduce anxiety. There is a hot drink, some books and a candle around her.]

Find your nearest Rape Crisis centre

Our member Rape Crisis centres provide free, local support and services for victims and survivors of rape, sexual assault, sexual abuse and all other forms of sexual violence.

Find a centre:

Want to talk?

Contact our 24/7 Support Line for free emotional support.

Find out more

Rape Crisis England & Wales (RCEW) is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), charity number: 1155140

Registered 2026/27
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