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uk Sexual violence & highly sensitive situations

What to do if…
you witness someone who may be sexually assaulting an unconscious or impaired person

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy UK guide

Short answer

From a safer place, call 999 now if sexual activity is happening and the person appears unconscious, does not respond when spoken to, or seems unable to respond to what is happening. Give the exact location and describe only what you can see; you do not need to decide whether a crime has occurred.

Do not do these things

  • Do not put yourself or others at greater risk by physically confronting the other person.
  • Do not wait for certainty before calling for emergency help.
  • Do not dismiss the situation because the people know each other, are partners, or have been drinking or taking drugs.
  • Do not leave the unconscious or impaired person alone with the other person if you can safely remain nearby or bring help.
  • Do not question the person for details or ask them to make reporting decisions while they are unconscious or impaired.
  • Do not start filming instead of calling for help, and never publish or share images or recordings.
  • Do not move or touch the person unless it is needed for immediate safety or first aid, or the 999 call handler tells you to do so.

What to do now

  1. Move to a safer position and alert venue staff, security, a housemate, or other trusted people nearby. Ask them to stay with you and help contact emergency services.
  2. Call 999. Give the exact location and say that you may be witnessing sexual activity involving someone who appears unconscious or severely impaired. Describe whether the other person is still present and whether anyone appears injured.
  3. Follow the call handler’s instructions. Ask nearby staff or trusted people to help create a safe interruption, but avoid arguing, threatening, or using force if this could make the situation more dangerous.
  4. If the other person moves away and you can safely approach, check whether the affected person responds when spoken to and whether they are breathing normally. If they are not breathing normally, follow the 999 call handler’s first-aid instructions immediately.
  5. Stay nearby until emergency responders arrive if it is safe. Keep watching for changes in the person’s breathing or responsiveness and update the call handler.
  6. If the person becomes responsive, speak calmly and tell them that emergency help is coming. Ask before touching them, avoid pressing for details, and ask whether they would like you to remain nearby.
  7. When responders arrive, tell them what you directly observed and any changes in the person’s condition. Say clearly when you are unsure about something.

What can wait

Deciding exactly what offence may have occurred, preparing a detailed account, contacting relatives or employers, discussing future police involvement, and arranging longer-term support can wait until the immediate danger and urgent medical needs have been addressed.

Important reassurance

You are not expected to investigate, prove an assault, or put yourself in danger. Calling 999 and giving a simple factual description is a meaningful action. Freezing or moving away for safety does not make you responsible for another person’s actions.

Scope note

This guide covers immediate safety, emergency help, and the first handover only. Later decisions about medical care, statements, specialist support, and continued police involvement may require specialist help and should be led by the affected person where possible.

Important note

This is general safety information, not legal, medical, or professional advice. Follow emergency-service instructions and prioritise immediate safety and urgent medical needs.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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