Medical examination

You may not want to start-off working with the police, which is completely understandable. In this case, you may be wondering where to go to gather forensic evidence. Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC) are supportive places where specially trained staff can examine you, help you to preserve evidence and provide health-related exams such as testing for STIs or pregnancy tests. Many SARCs also offer crisis workers. They should let you know if this is available.

The services provided by SARCs are free, confidential and entirely independent. You have the right to decide if they share information with the police or other agencies. SARCs are available 24-hours a day and are usually run through local partnerships between national health services, police and voluntary organisations.

You can ask anyone you wish to be with you during the examination. If you need an interpreter, ask for one!

Unsure how to find a SARC? You have two options. Choose whichever feels right.
If you contacted the police first and an immediate visit to SARC is not possible, they should have used an early evidence kit (EEK). This kit will not replace a full medical examination but can be used to preserve evidence. The police will only collect evidence if you give consent. This is completely your decision to make. If you consent they will take you directly to a SARC.

It is perfectly okay to go to a SARC independently without contacting the police. You can find your nearest SARC by calling the NHS 111 non-emergency service, speaking to your General Practitioner (GP), or the Accident & Emergency (A&E) department of your local hospital, or by visiting the following website.

The SARC have no right to pressure you into reporting to the police and they can store the results of the forensic examination (or evidence) until you make up your mind whether to report to the police or not. They can also be there to support you through your immediate trauma and make sure you have everything you need to look after your health.

Source: Rape Crisis UK

Date checked: 19.01.2020

Medical examination time: 20-30 minutes
Time for overall appointment: 2-3 hours

First and foremost, a doctor will provide you with immediate medical assistance for any physical injuries.

You will be seen by a Forensic Medical Examiner (FME) who are specially trained doctors. Many SARCs also offer crisis workers - your dedicated officer should let you know if this is available.

You will have the choice to be examined by either a female or male FME. They will make this arrangement and should let you know if there are any delays to the process due to staff availability. For example if there is a shortage of female staff.

The forensic medical examination cannot take place without your consent. This consent covers having the examination and that the results and the evidence gathered will be given to the police.

During the exam, the doctor will work to collect any evidence that can help your case.

This could include looking for things that will connect your abuser(s) to the incident. They will also examine you for injuries such as bruises, scratches, cuts, and should give you advice on how to heal the injuries.

It’s completely natural to want to shower or bathe after the incident but it can cause the loss of evidence. If you do shower, just remember to let the FME know. In the case that you feel like your abuser may have interfered with your drink, or had given you drugs, you may also be asked to give a blood or urine sample. This can also help to bolster and support your case.

The doctor may ask you intimate questions about you and your life that might feel uncomfortable but they help with understanding the evidence and your needs. These could be details about when your last menstrual period, whether or not you use any type of contraceptives, and, whether you have recently engaged in consensual sexual activity. These questions might also help to find out whether you are at risk of becoming pregnant. You can answer as much as your comfortable with, as well ask your dedicated officer and the doctor for clarifications on the reasoning for any of the questions.

What happens to the evidence once it’s collected?

The samples are available to you immediately after an incident as well as for up to a year later. If you decide you would like the keep the evidence longer, they can hold evidence for up to 7 years.

You have a right to see the results of the examination.

Source: Rape Crisis UK

Date checked: 28.12.2019

The samples are available to you immediately after an incident as well as for up to a year later. If you decide you would like the keep the evidence longer, they can hold evidence for up to 7 years.

You have a right to see the results of the examination.

Source: Rape Crisis UK

Date checked: 28.12.2019

It is perfectly okay to choose not to get an official medical examination. If this is the case, the police can use an early evidence kit (EEK) to preserve some samples.

Your assigned officer should be able to explain to you what the EEK is for and how they use it. They will also get your consent before collecting any evidence.

The EEK will help the police collect swabs from your mouth and also urine samples. These will be tested to check for any drugs that may have been given to you and for any other useful evidence. They may ask for two urine samples depending on your situation.

Though this option is less intrusive, it’s important to understand that the evidence collected via this method does not replace a full medical exam and may not carry the same weight in court. This is your decision, and you should do what feels right to you.

Source: Rape Crisis UK

Date checked: 19.01.2020

If you are unsure about reporting to the police and there is no SARC (Sexual Assault Referral Centre) in your area, you should still consider getting medical attention as soon as possible. You can get medical treatment by visiting your local hospital’s accident and emergency (A&E) department or by going to see your general practitioner (GP).

You might be worried about your privacy, but there is a general duty on doctors to respect the confidences of their patients. You can tell a doctor about any form of abuse, get treatment and advice without involving the police at all.

However, there are a few circumstances when a doctor is obliged to contact the police:
- If you are in a situation where you are unable to agree to report (ie. your abuser(s) is present), but a doctor believes you have been sexually abused.
- Where you are unconscious or without full mental capacity (ability) to
make a decision.
- Where reporting is in the public interest, for example, because a failure to
inform the police may put you or another person at risk of serious harm.

Source: Rape Crisis UK
Date Checked: 19.01.2020