Sapphire

Frequently asked questions

Q. Should I tell the police?

A. Yes, we are here to help you.

Q. What will happen if I do?

A. A specially trained officer from a Sapphire team will talk to you in confidence, and be guided by your wishes.

Q. I don't want to go to the police. Is there somewhere else I can go for help?

A. Yes. You can visit The Havens in confidence. They can provide you with medical treatment and ongoing support and advice.

Q. Will I have to go to court?

A. Only if you wish to. Whatever your choice, you will be fully supported.

Q. What will the Police think of me?

A. We will not judge you, you will be treated with sensitivity and respect.

Q. I can't remember what happened so how can I tell the Police?

A. If you are worried or anxious and think something has happened to you, tell us.

Q. I was raped abroad, can I report this?

A. Contact your local Sapphire team for advice.

Q. What is a 'Cold Case Review' of rape investigations?

A. Reviews of unsolved rape offences is undertaken by SCD2's Cold Case Investigation Team. The purpose of a Cold Case Review is to utilise the latest DNA techniques and fingerprint examination methods to identify offenders who could not be identified in the past.

The team are conducting assessments of all unsolved, recorded rape crimes. Where opportunities for possible forensic improvements are identified, a more detailed review will take place and when a specific case is believed to be suitable for a Cold Case review, enquiries are made to find what physical material is available for scientific examination.

Where an offender is identified, the team will work closely with the Crown Prosecution Service in a joint case building process to maximise the potential for a successful prosecution where evidential standards are met.

The victim's wishes in a Cold Case Investigation are paramount. At an appropriate stage, the victim will be approached sensitively by a member of the team, advances in their case explained and their support for a prosecution sought.

In the last two years, the Cold Case team have identified and prosecuted 27 people for offences which on average had remained unsolved for 15 years.