You deserve support, on your terms
Reaching out doesn't commit you to anything — not reporting, not a plan, not even talking about what happened. Trained specialists are there to listen and lay out options, whenever you're ready.
National Sexual Assault Hotline
Operated by RAINN, in partnership with over a thousand local rape crisis centers. Free, confidential, available around the clock in English and Spanish.
800.656.HOPE (4673)
- Speak with a live support specialist, 24/7.
online.rainn.org
- Prefer typing to talking? Chat is confidential too.
"HOPE" to 64673
- A quiet option if calling isn't safe right now.
International helplines
A starting point by region. If yours isn't listed, findahelpline.com maintains a searchable global directory of crisis lines.
Rape Crisis England & Wales
- 0808 500 2222 · rapecrisis.org.uk
Rape Crisis Scotland
- 08088 01 03 02 · text 07537 410 027
1800RESPECT
- 1800 737 732 · confidential, 24/7
Assaulted Women's Helpline
- 1-866-863-0511 · free, 24-hour line
Rape Crisis Network Ireland
- rcni.ie — find your local rape crisis centre
Find A Helpline
- findahelpline.com — global, searchable directory
What actually happens when you call
You're connected to a trained specialist
Not police, not a form to fill out — a person trained specifically in supporting survivors of sexual violence.
You set the pace
Share as much or as little as you want. You never have to describe what happened in detail if you don't want to.
You hear your options, not a script
Medical care, local counseling, legal advocacy, reporting — you'll hear what's available, with no pressure to choose any of it.
It stays confidential
Calls and chats are private. Sessions typically run 30–60 minutes, and you can reach out again anytime.
Medical care
Hospitals and clinics can treat injuries, address concerns about pregnancy or STIs, and — if you choose — collect forensic evidence. You don't have to decide about reporting to get care, and you don't have to get a forensic exam to receive treatment.
Reporting, if and when you want to
Reporting to police is entirely your choice — it's not required to access medical care, counseling, or a hotline's support. Many local rape crisis centers offer a free legal advocate who can walk through what reporting would involve, with zero obligation to proceed.
This page shares general information, not legal or medical advice. Laws, campus policies (including Title IX in the US), and available services vary by location — a hotline advocate can point you to what applies where you are.
Supporting someone else instead?
These same hotlines can also guide you on how to help.