The Physical Abuse Centre wants to reassure victims of sexual abuse to come forward after a woman was fined for making a false Police complaint.

Michelle Lee Carreiro, of St. George's, was fined $7,000 after claiming she was raped in her home by two masked men on October 15.

Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner heard the 22-year-old gave detectives a 19-page statement about the alleged incident but six days later she confessed to Police she had made it all up.

She was ordered to pay the full costs of the $6,000 Police inquiry plus a $1,000 fine.

Acting Senior Crown counsel Cindy Clarke said Carreiro's lie was intended to cover up a sexual relationship with her ex-boyfriend from her present partner.

She had received a bruise on her face during intercourse and had attempted to explain it away by claiming she was raped.

The court heard Police were about to arrest two men in the East End when she confessed.

Rosana Vickers, programme manager at the Physical Abuse Centre, said yesterday that if Carreiro had found herself in a difficult situation, she could have approached the organisation for advice.

"If a person is feeling threatened in any way, we are here to talk to. There is always help available," she said.

"But to make allegations like this, people's lives could have been destroyed.

"If the Police had picked up a couple of people on suspicion of this, there may always have been a cloud over their heads."

Ms Vickers added it was imperative that victims of sexual assault report incidents to Police.

"The Police are not the only ones who can help you, but you should always make a Police complaint," she said.

If people however felt uncomfortable going to the Police, then there were other agencies on the Island to assist.

Ms Vickers said it was essential victims document any attack or injury.

This could be done through the Physical Abuse Centre, the hospital or their own GP.

"We always encourage women and men to come in to talk and document things in case something happens in the future," she said.

"We have had a case where the person documented everything and was later murdered. They gave us important information which was there after their life was taken."

The Bermuda Police Service has also emphasised the importance of people making an official complaint.

After Carreiro's conviction on Thursday, a spokesman said: "We do not want this to be a deterrent for individuals who have legitimate cases.

We believe that it's important to work with vulnerable members of our community to make them feel comfortable in coming forward."