This is a collective effort based on decades of experience of survivors and campaigners. It offers ways to tackle obstacles to justice you many face when reporting violence.

This online version of the Self-Help Guide is a PDF file, to access it you need Adobe Acrobat Reader, which you can download free from the internet.

To order a paper copy, please send a cheque to ‘Women Against Rape’, PO Box 287, London NW6 5QU.
Prices: individuals £3; unfunded organisations £5; professionals or solidarity price £10. Free to women in prison.

This online version of the Self-Help Guide is a PDF file, to access it you need Adobe Acrobat Reader, which you can download free from the internet.

Click justiceguidejune2016website to download the Self-Help Guide.

To order a paper copy, please send a cheque to ‘Women Against Rape’, PO Box 287, London NW6 5QU.
Prices: inidividuals £3; unfunded organisations £5; professionals or solidarity price £10. Free to women in prison.

This is a collective effort based on decades of experience of survivors and campaigners. It offers ways to tackle obstacles to justice you many face when reporting violence.

From a user: I wanted to write to say thank you for the brilliant self-help guide that you have on your website. It was only once I had read it, that I could fully come to terms with the fact that what happened to me was rape. Before this, I was denying the truth, hoping I suppose that if I didn’t use this awful, difficult word ‘rape’ that it would mean it didn’t really happen. I am so grateful to you for providing this information for me, and that I found it when I needed it. Thank you again, and I wish you all the strength and determination in this continuing battle.

Contents   (in order to view the different sections of the book you have to download it)
Page

A self-help guide                                                             2

Some basics of self-help                                                   4

Domestic violence                                                             5

1. How the law defines rape. What is consent?           6
2. I’ve just been raped                                                  7
3. Should I report the rape?                                          8
4.   I’m worried about being arrested or deported         8
5. Reporting to the police                                              9
6. Who will I deal with during the investigation?          10
7. The Medical                                                             13
8. Giving a statement                                                   17
9. Written statement or video?                                     18
10. What if they discourage me, press me to
    withdraw, or drop the case?                                     22
11. The police investigation                                            24
12. What if the police close the case against my
    will? (‘No crime.’)                                                      27

29. Keeping informed (bail, etc.)                                    28
30. Consent, drink and drugs                                         30
31. Can I see the police record of my case?                  32
32. The Crown Prosecution Service                               33
33. What are the charges?                                             36
34. If the case goes to court                                           38
35. Will I get protection?                                                44
36. Compensation – applying to the Criminal  Injuries
    Compensation Authority (CICA)                               45
37. Complaining about the police                                   49
38. Complaining to the CPS                                           52
39. Complaining about the judge                                   55
40. Can I sue my attacker?                                            56
41. Resources                                                                56
42. Glossary of term                                                       57
43. Sample summary of a case                                      58
44. Sample diary                                                             59
45. About Women Against Rape                                     60

What people say about the Guide:

“Lucid, to the point. I recommend it.” Ian Madonald QC.

“People will grow in confidence and feel less intimidated by the authorities.” Sally Freeman, mother of rape survivor.

“I’ve learnt I am not alone challenging corruption, lies, bias, and incompetance.” Anoushka Arabella, rape survivor.

“All who work with survivors should have this Guide.” Annie Rose, Independent Sexual Violence Advocate, Respond.

“An incredibly useful tool.” Debaleena Dasgupta, solicitor.

“Can make the difference between winning and losing.” Cristel Amiss, Black Women’s Rape Action Project.

“For men supporting partners and friends, women and men, surviving rape.” Giorgio Riva, Payday men’s network.

For Asylum Seekers and their Supporters: A Self-Help Guide Against detention & removal by Legal Action for Women: This new and updated step-by-step guide comes out of intensive work over many years with women (and some men) seeking asylum. BWRAP and WAR have contributed to the pool of practical knowledge which is an invaluable and essential tool for victims of rape and other torture.  An online version of the Self-Help Guide is available here. To order a paper copy go to Crossroads Books online . Other Self-Help Tools are also available too.