Sexual Assault and Abuse
Sexual Assault
- It is important that you try and speak to someone as soon as possible if you have been sexually assaulted. This could be the police, your GP, a sexual health clinic, A+E or Rape crisis. They will help you decide what to do next
- Going to the police does not mean that you have to give a statement or be examined. However the police can advise you of what options there are
- If you have been injured and need emergency care you should attend Accident and Emergency (A+E)
Police involvement
- You should report a sexual assault to the police as soon as possible
- Forensic samples can be taken by the police doctor to be used as evidence in any prosecution
- You should avoid washing any of the clothes that you were wearing at the time of the assault
- Avoid washing yourself and cleaning your teeth
- If you think your drink was ‘spiked’ or have been ‘drugged’, blood or urine specimens for drug testing must taken as soon as possible, really within 12 hours, this would be done by the police doctor
- If you do not want to involve the police you should still get medical care. This can be done at a genitourinary medicine clinic
Genitourinary Medicine clinic
You can contact the GUM clinic yourself to arrange to come in, either ask to speak to a nurse or a doctor, or let the receptionist know that you have been sexually assaulted. We can then arrange to see you as soon as possible. You can get your GP or a friend to organize this for you if you find it too hard.
The genitourinary medicine clinic can:
- Test you for sexually transmitted infections
- Vaccinate you against Hepatitis B
- Give you emergency contraception if required
- Provide you with HIV post-exposure prophylaxis if required
- Provide support and help
- A genitourinary medicine clinic cannot take forensic samples
Some more websites for information:
Central Scotland Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Centre Tel - 01786 471771 or e-mail: csrcc@ic24.net
www.rapecrisiscentralscotland.co.uk
www.rapecrisisscotland.org.uk
www.victimsupportfalkirk.org.uk
For more information and support in relation to sexual health issues, please contact or make an appointment with one of our local services