Frequently Asked Questions

Sexual assault by touching is the deliberate non-consensual and sexual touching of another person. Sexual assault by penetration is non-consensual, intentional insertion of an object other than the penis into the vagina or anus.

Rape is defined as the non-consensual (without permission) penetration of the vagina, mouth or anus, by the penis.

Anyone in Cambridgeshire who has been raped or sexually assaulted can come to The OASIS @ Rivergate.
Women, men, young people and children can all attend.

Yes, however there may be occasions when other agencies need to be informed, e.g., if a child is at risk of harm.

Police Involvement

Our staff will guide you through the options available to you regarding police involvement. There are no police officers based at The OASIS @ Rivergate. However, if at any time you decide to talk to the police, staff at The OASIS @ Rivergate can arrange this for you.
You decide the level of involvement of the police. No contact at all, an informal chat, a full report, it’s your choice.

If you decide that you don’t want to talk to the police, we can still offer you follow up care options.

Anonymous reporting

You can choose to pass information about the attack to the police anonymously. If you agree we will pass this information without identifying you.

Time to think

We can securely store evidence gained from the examination, and if you decide to report at a later date we will be able to help you with this process.

WE WILL SUPPORT AND RESPECT WHATEVER DECISION YOU MAKE

Your safety is very important to us and The OASIS @ Rivergate is a secure centre; no-one is allowed in without us knowing who they are. We give further advice if you have safety concerns following a sexual assault.

If you are concerned for your safety at any time, please contact police on:

0345 456 456 4

In an emergency always dial 999.

You don't have to be referred. It's up to you if you want to see us. All you need to do is call our helpline. You don't need to report the assault to the police or see your GP first. You can call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The OASIS @ Rivergate is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - you can phone our helpline to arrange visiting. If you are still not sure what The OASIS @ Rivergate can offer you, or there are other questions you would like to ask, please call us.

Steps to take:

1. If you have been raped or sexually assaulted call 999 and get to a safe place
2. Save all of the clothing you were wearing at the time of the assault, unwashed and if possible place in a paper bag
3. Do not:

- Shower, bath or wash
- Douche
- Brush your teeth
- Disturb anything in the area where the assault occured

4. If you are absolutely certain you do not want the police involved and are not in danger, contact:

The OASIS @ Rivergate on 0845 089 6262.
The line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and a member of staff will assist you with what to do next.

In an emergency always dial 999