Quickly exit this site by pressing the Escape key Leave this site
We use some essential cookies to make our website work. We’d like to set additional cookies so we can remember your preferences and understand how you use our site.
You can manage your preferences and cookie settings at any time by clicking on “Customise Cookies” below. For more information on how we use cookies, please see our Cookies notice.
Your cookie preferences have been saved. You can update your cookie settings at any time on the cookies page.
Your cookie preferences have been saved. You can update your cookie settings at any time on the cookies page.
Sorry, there was a technical problem. Please try again.
This site is a beta, which means it's a work in progress and we'll be adding more to it over the next few weeks. Your feedback helps us make things better, so please let us know what you think.
During Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week 2025, Northamptonshire Police wants to send the message that they recognise how difficult it can be to talk about rape and sexual abuse and offers reassurance that when sexual offences are reported to them, survivors will be listened to and heard, respected, and supported.
Detective Chief Inspector Nickie Deeks leads SOLAR, a specialist team that investigates rape and serious sexual offences for the Force. She said: “These awful crimes have no place in society. Northamptonshire Police takes every report of sexual assault or rape extremely seriously. We never underestimate the courage it takes to make a report like this and encourage survivors to contact us.
“Sexual abuse and sexual violence can have a profound and lasting impact on victims and can be extremely difficult to speak about. Incidents reported to us, whether recent or non-recent will be treated sensitively by police officers.
“We have a team of investigators specifically trained to investigate these horrific crimes.”
Nationally, there has been an overhaul in how these types of crimes are investigated – via a project called Operation Soteria. As part of this, Northamptonshire Police is currently implementing the new Rape and Serious Sexual Offences National Operating Model.
DCI Deeks explained: “Operation Soteria is all about ensuring victims are better informed. The investigative process can understandably, feel intrusive and distressing for the victim, so police forces are now shifting investigations to a suspect-focussed strategy as a result.
“Our focus will be on the crime that has taken place, on investigating it, protecting and supporting the victim while we do so, and on bringing the perpetrator to justice.
“Sexual offence investigations require the bravery of survivors to see them through, and we will do all we can to support them, protect them, and help them to feel safe through every step of the criminal justice process. Our investigator’s determination and professionalism, alongside support from our staff and partner organisations will help us to pursue and bring perpetrators to justice.”
Northamptonshire Police encourages victims to report by calling 101 (dial 999 in an emergency). There is also a dedicated rape and sexual assault reporting tool on their website to allow those who are most comfortable with that format to come forward. The tool allows you to report something that's happened to you, or to someone else. You can report anonymously, without giving police your details. Report rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences | Northamptonshire Police
“DCI Deeks said: “Of course, there will be victims of these offences who do not feel ready or able to report the matter to the police. While we would always encourage victims to make a report us, we understand that this isn’t right for everyone. We know that there are lots of reasons people choose not to report, and it's always their choice.
“There are a number of support services that can be contacted directly for practical and emotional support without contacting the police. Most prominently, you can self-refer to the Serenity Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC).
“This is an invaluable service, especially in the immediate aftermath of an incident. They will be able to provide the healthcare and support you need and will be able to talk you through how they can help if you decide to make a report further down the line.”
Serenity can offer treatment, advice and support, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Contact their advice line: 01604 601713 or visit https://www.nhft.nhs.uk/serenity for more information.
Other local support services include: