It’s important that you consider getting medical help as soon as possible after a rape or sexual assault, because of potential injury and the additional risks of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or pregnancy. If you are over 16, hospitals and doctors will treat you in complete confidence, and will not tell the police unless you ask them to.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Even if you have no symptoms, a check-up for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is a sensible precaution after a rape or sexual assault. You can get help and advice from your GP or practice nurse, family planning clinic or Brook Centre. Any of these can refer you to a sexual health clinic or genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic where you can be tested.

Treatment for STIs, especially HIV, is more effective and has better outcomes if provided early after contraction. You can get a referral from your GP, contact your nearest large hospital and ask for an appointment with the sexual health clinic yourself, or you can search for a sexual health clinic near you on the NHS website.

You can find out more about PEP, HIV and AIDS from Terrence Higgins Trust or from the THT Direct helpline on 0808 802 1221 (open Monday to Friday, 10am-8pm). For general information about STIs, you can call the NHS National Sexual Health Helpline on 0800 567 123 (free and open 24 hours).

If you’re worried about getting pregnant after a sexual attack, you can get free treatment and advice from family planning clinics, the Havens (specialist centres for people who have been raped or sexually assaulted) or your GP. You can get free and immediate testing and emergency contraception to help prevent pregnancy.

If you chose contraception, it will either be the ‘morning after pill’ (which must be taken within three days (72 hours) of the sexual assault) or an emergency coil (IUD), which must be fitted within five days. You can also get emergency contraception at an NHS sexual health clinic.

Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) are local partnerships between the police, health services and voluntary organisations set up to focus on your immediate support needs. They are independent one-stop centres where victims of sexual assault can get medical care and support while at the same time having the opportunity to help any police investigation (if you choose to report the crime).

If you think you want the crime to be investigated, a forensic medical examination will need to take place. These usually take place at a SARC, which can provide you with specialist medical attention and sexual violence support whether or not you decide to have a forensic medical examination. SARCs have specialist trained staff who can ensure that you get the right support and medical attention.

The centres include facilities for forensic examination to collect physical evidence. If appropriate, the police will ask you if you’d like to be referred, or you can go directly to the SARC yourself if you do not want to report the incident to the police. The police will take further details from you only when you feel ready. You can find your nearest SARC on the NHS website.

If you have been sexually assaulted you don’t have to have a forensic medical examination, but it can provide useful evidence if the case goes to court. You can decide to have a forensic medical examination at any stage; however there is more chance of collecting evidence if this is done as soon as possible. If you’re unsure about reporting to the police, forensic medical evidence that’s collected can be stored at the SARC to give you time to decide if you do want to report the assault.

A forensic medical examination will be carried out by a specially trained doctor or nurse who will ask you some health questions, take samples (e.g. blood or urine and swabs) and may retain clothing or other items.