A VARIETY of processes will take place once a victim reports a rape to the police.

l Specially trained officers are dispatched to wherever he or she is. Their role is to establish some basic information and identify opportunities to secure evidence relating to the offence.

The officers carry early evidence kits with them in the interests of best preserving evidence and will ask you to give urine samples (to test for drugs that might have been used to carry out the assault) and mouth swabs.

l The officers will then liaise with the dedicated investigators who will manage the initial stages of the investigation working alongside the specialist sexual offence trained officer.

Depending on how recently you were assaulted a decision will be taken for you to be examined by a forensic medical examiner at the rape examination suite in Warrington.

You can request to be dealt with by male or female officers and examiners. Children will also have a pediatrician present at the examination.

l The examining doctor will ask you details about the assault but will already have some information from the police to take samples appropriate for the alleged offence.

l If you have washed before the examination tell the doctor – it may still be possible to find traces of physical evidence. You will also be examined for injuries such as internal bruising or cuts and any injuries will be documented.

DNA can also be obtained from spital – for example if someone has had a part of their body kissed, DNA can be obtained from the area by swabbing.

l Do not omit important details because you are embarrassed or because you feel you will be judged.

l You will then be asked to provide a detailed account of the incident. This is usually carried out at a video interview suite by specially trained investigators.

During the course of the interview you will be asked to provide a detailed and accurate account of the incident. It is vital to give a true account because any lies can be used to attack your credibility if the case goes to court.

The evidence you provide on video can be used to present your evidence at court. There are additional specialist measures that can be requested and considered to present your evidence at any future court proceedings.

You can expect police to:

a) Inform you if they do not intend to investigate the crime further.

b) Give your details to Victim Support – unless you ask them not to.

c) Give you information and contact details of local sexual assault support groups.

d) Keep you updated with the progress of the investigation and any decisions to drop or make major changes to charges.

e) Inform you if someone has been arrested, released, cautioned or charged.

f) Assess if you are a vulnerable or intimidated witness and put in place appropriate safeguarding measures.

g) Deal with requests for information from the criminal injuries compensation authority in relation to your application for compensation.

h) You will be kept informed of dates for the trial and you should be told the outcome, even if you do not have to give evidence.