Do you need help?

Anyone can become a victim of a sexual assault, rape or online abuse. If you have recently had a non-consensual sexual experience, getting professional help may not be the first thing you think of. And yet, we advise you to call the Sexual Assault Center as soon as possible. Our team of doctors, nurses, police and care professionals will work with you to ensure that you get the care you need. We are here for you. You could be faced with a range of emotions, thoughts and physical responses.

Here, you can read more about what you can do and what you can expect after experiencing sexual violence.

Help within seven days: how do I get in touch?

If you need immediate help, have any doubts or are plagued with questions, you can always call or chat with us for free. We are available 24/7 by phone. Call 112 if every second counts.

Call 0800-0188

available 24/7

Chat with us

Mon - fri: 16:00 - 06:00u
Sat, sun & public holidays: 20:00 - 06:00u

What is sexual violence?

Sexual violence is a term used for all sexual acts that someone is forced to do, undergo or see. It could be a sexual assault, rape, sexual abuse or online sexual violence. Sexual violence is also called sexual molestation or sexual coercion.

Frequently asked questions

What is rape?

Rape involves sexual penetration of the body without consent. It is when someone penetrates your mouth, vagina or anus with a penis, finger or object without consent. These all fall under rape.

What is a sexual assault?

Sexual assault means non-consensual sexual contact or being forced to touch someone else’s genitals.

Can boys also be victims of sexual assault?

Yes, certainly. Boys and men can also be victims of rape. See the Sexual Assault Centre Fact Sheet for Men.

Why 7 days?

If you seek help from the Sexual Assault Center within seven days, preferably within 72 hours, we can provide you with the best possible level of help. Within that period, you have the best chance of psychological recovery, preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases and of securing any evidence. Securing evidence increases the chances of finding the perpetrator.

What options for help do I have?

It is good to know that the help process does not follow a set pattern. Together with a professional at the Sexual Assault Centre, we look at what help you need, and you can choose the actions you want to undertake.

Call
No matter how difficult it is, try and call the Sexual Assault Centre as soon as possible: 0800-0188. If you find that too hard, contact us via the chat function.
Talk to professionals in your region
We will connect you to a Sexual Assault Center professional near you, who you can talk to directly.
personal case manager
After visiting the Sexual Assault Center, we will assign you a personal case manager. Your case manager will ask you what you need, explain what you can expect in the days ahead and what you can do to recover the best you can. Your case manager will also monitor whether the appointments with the police and other care professionals are proceeding properly.
Contact with the police
The police (sexual assault unit) are part of the Sexual Assault Center, but we only get them involved if you want them to be. Contact with the police is voluntary. If you do want to go to the police, they will make an appointment with you at the police station as soon as possible. The police can explain what happens when you report the incident.
Securing evidence
A forensic examination increases the chances of finding and/or convicting the perpetrator.
See a doctor to prevent the contraction of sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy
See a doctor to prevent the contraction of sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy. The Sexual Assault Center could advise you to see a doctor. A doctor can examine you, treat your wounds and prescribe medication against sexually transmitted diseases and/or pregnancy. The doctor or nurse will discuss and agree follow-up medical care with you.
Psychological help
Your case manager will carefully monitor how you are doing in the first month. If your stress responses do not decrease after four weeks, you can get psychological help to help you process the experience. The care professional of psychologist can help you process what has happened.
Legal assistance
Victim Support Netherlands and a victim of crime lawyer can support you during your contact with the police and the judiciary. Your personal Sexual Assault Centre case manager can get in touch with them. You may be eligible for compensation from the Violent Offences Conpensation Fund

Tips

Psychologist Chantal

Chantal is a psychologist who specialises in treating victims of sexual assault.

Tips from Chantal

No matter how difficult it may be, try and contact the Sexual Assault Center.
After such an intense experience, it can be difficult to maintain a normal day-night rhythm. Try to maintain your rhythm as best you can; it is the best thing you can do for your health.
It is of course difficult to talk about what happened with family and/or friends. Yet, it is good to do that: they could offer you a lot of support.
Your head may be all over the place but try to find things to distract yourself.
If you find it difficult to talk about what you went through, you could write it down. That helps you process things.

Tips from Paula

If you do not want to run the risk of getting pregnant, take a morning after pill after the non-consensual sexual experience.
Don't forget that it is even more important for you to take care of yourself right now! Try to eat and drink healthily.
After such an intense experience, you should be careful with alcohol and drugs. We understand you want to temporarily blot out your feelings, but as soon as you stop consuming alcohol and drugs, those unsettling feelings will resurface. Symptoms will be more intense and harder to treat, and you run the risk of addiction.

Doctor Paula

Paula treats people who have had a non-consensual sexual experience.

Police officer Tom

Tom specialises in sex offences. These are criminal offences related to sexual violence.

Tips from Tom

Try and contact the Sexual Assault Centre. They can also refer you to the police.
You may feel dirty. However, it is advisable to wait before having a shower, washing or brushing your teeth. That will give the police a greater chance of finding evidence.
Wait for as long as possible before going to the toilet. That will give the police a greater chance of finding evidence.
Try to wait before eating and drinking. If not, evidence may be lost that is valuable to the investigation.
You may want to remove your clothes straight away and wash them. It is better for the police investigation if you leave your clothes on. If you have already undressed, keep the items of clothing in a paper bag without washing them beforehand.