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uk Sexual violence & highly sensitive situations unexplained bruises after night out • soreness after night out • woke up bruised and confused • memory gap after drinking • blackout and worried • think i was assaulted • not sure if consent happened • possible drink spiking • feeling drugged after night out • woke up in unfamiliar place • underwear or clothes missing • unexplained injuries after party • pain after sex but unsure • hazy night out concerns • shock numbness after night out • worried about sexual contact • bruising on arms legs torso • after clubbing feel unsafe • can't remember getting home

What to do if…
you notice unexplained bruises or soreness after a night out and you are worried about sexual assault

Short answer

Get to a safe place and contact specialist sexual-violence support and/or urgent medical care as soon as you can. You do not have to decide about reporting to police right now.

Do not do these things

  • Do not force yourself to “figure it out” alone by replaying the night over and over.
  • Do not confront anyone you suspect while you’re alone or still in shock.
  • Do not delete messages, photos, or travel receipts from the night if you may want options later.
  • Do not blame yourself or assume you “must be sure” before getting help.
  • Do not delay urgent medical care if you have significant pain, bleeding, injuries, or you feel unwell.

What to do now

  1. Get to safety and support. If you’re with someone you trust, ask them to stay with you. If you’re in immediate danger or need urgent medical help, call 999.
  2. Switch to a safer way to communicate. Move somewhere private. If you’re worried someone can access your phone/accounts, keep messages simple and avoid logging into extra accounts right now.
  3. Contact a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC). SARCs can provide confidential medical care, support, and options whether or not you want to involve police.
  4. Use the right route for where you are in the UK (pick one):
    • England/Wales: You can usually contact your nearest SARC directly to arrange care.
    • Scotland: You can self-refer to SARCS by phone 24/7 (the national self-referral line).
    • Northern Ireland: The regional SARC is The Rowan (24/7 service).
  5. Get urgent medical advice today if you’re in pain or feel unwell. If you have significant pain, bruising, genital soreness, bleeding, vomiting, faintness, confusion, or possible head injury: go to A&E. If it’s urgent but not life-threatening, you can also use 111 for urgent NHS advice and direction to the right service (in Scotland, this is NHS 24 on 111).
  6. If you think your drink may have been spiked or you were drugged, say that clearly. Ask the clinician/SARC what testing or documentation is appropriate (some options can be time-sensitive).
  7. Make a quick “memory snapshot.” In notes or on paper: where you were, who you were with, when you last remember feeling OK, where you woke up, and what you noticed (bruises/soreness/clothing). Keep it brief.
  8. If you may want the option of a forensic exam later (only if you want): avoid washing if you can, and keep any clothing/bedding from the night in a clean, dry bag (paper if you have it; otherwise any clean bag). If you’ve already washed or changed, you can still get help—don’t let that stop you.
  9. Reach confidential emotional support (optional but often helpful). If you’re in England or Wales, the 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line can listen and help you think through options without pressure.

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide right now whether it “counts,” whether to report to police, or what you want to happen next.
  • You do not need to contact the venue, friends from the night, or anyone you suspect today unless it helps your immediate safety.
  • You do not need to write a detailed account or collect proof yourself before getting medical/support help.

Important reassurance

Not remembering clearly, freezing, or feeling confused is common after trauma and/or possible intoxication. Bruises and soreness can have different causes—but your worry is enough reason to get specialist support and medical care. You deserve help that is calm, confidential, and on your terms.

Scope note

This is first-steps-only guidance to help you stabilise, get safe support, and keep options open. Later decisions (medical follow-up, reporting, workplace/education support) can be made with specialist help when you feel steadier.

Important note

This guide is general information, not medical, legal, or investigative advice. If you are in immediate danger or need urgent medical attention, call 999. If you are unsure what to do, contacting a SARC (or the England/Wales 24/7 support line if applicable) is a safe first move.

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