My best friend was attacked and sexually assaulted but nobody is taking her seriously

DEAR DEIDRE: I’M so worried about my best friend who has had such a terrible time after an assault.

Nobody seems to be taking her seriously.

She’s 21 and was attacked and sexually assaulted in an alley outside a club by a guy she met inside.

He said she consented to sex but she didn’t.

He also accused her of calling him racist names so she was then in trouble with the police.

I’m 23 and her friend and I know she’s telling the truth.

She reported it to the police a week later but they aren’t taking the matter further.

They say there’s no evidence.

She’s now having panic attacks and can’t sleep.

I don’t know how best to support her.

DEIDRE SAYS: There may not be enough evidence but there’s no reason for her not to be taken seriously.

You’re doing a great job by being there for her, listening to her and supporting her.

She can get emotional support through rapecrisis.org.uk (0808 500 2222).

She can also contact Rights of Women (rightsofwomen.org.uk, 020 7251 6577) which gives advice for women affected by domestic and sexual violence and family law.