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.
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 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.
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.
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.