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Can I get a forensic medical examination after sexual assault?
Yes. In the UK, you can ask for a forensic medical examination after sexual assault or rape. This examination is sometimes called a forensic medical or sexual assault referral examination.
It can help collect evidence, check your health, and record injuries. You do not have to decide whether to report to the police before seeking support.
Through the police
If you report the assault to the police, they can arrange a forensic medical examination for you. This is usually done by specially trained doctors or nurses at a sexual assault referral centre, often called a SARC.
The police should explain what will happen and support you through the process. You can usually have a supporter with you, and you can ask questions before agreeing to anything.
Through the NHS
You may also be able to access a forensic medical examination through the NHS, especially if you go to A&E or another healthcare service soon after the assault. NHS staff can assess your injuries, offer emergency care, and refer you to a SARC if needed.
Even if you do not want police involvement, the NHS can still help with medical care. This may include treatment for injuries, emergency contraception, STI testing, and support with your immediate wellbeing.
Through charities and specialist support services
Charities and sexual violence support services can help you understand your options and arrange an examination. They can explain what a forensic medical involves and help you get to the right service.
Some services can support you without involving the police. They may help you access independent sexual violence advisers, emotional support, and practical guidance before you decide what to do next.
Do I have to report to the police?
No, not necessarily. In many cases, you can have a forensic examination even if you are not ready to make a police report. Some evidence can be stored for a period of time while you decide.
This gives you time to think about your options. If you are unsure, a SARC, NHS clinician, or support charity can talk you through what is possible in your area.
Getting help quickly
If possible, try not to wash, change clothes, or tidy away anything that may be useful as evidence before the examination. But if you have already done any of these things, you can still get help and still be examined.
Support is available 24/7 in many areas. You can contact your local SARC, go to A&E, call the police if you feel in immediate danger, or reach out to a sexual violence charity for advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
A forensic medical examination after sexual assault UK is a specialist medical assessment that can document injuries, collect and preserve forensic evidence, and support your health and wellbeing after an assault. It is offered to help with both medical care and, if you choose, a possible police investigation.
Anyone who has experienced sexual assault in the UK may be able to have a forensic medical examination after sexual assault UK, regardless of age, gender, or when the assault happened. Eligibility can depend on local services, the type of assault, and how long since it occurred, so it is best to seek advice as soon as possible.
A forensic medical examination after sexual assault UK should ideally be arranged as soon as possible because some evidence is time-sensitive. Even if some time has passed, it may still be worth having an examination for medical reasons, injury documentation, and possible evidence collection.
A forensic medical examination after sexual assault UK is usually arranged through a Sexual Assault Referral Centre, commonly called a SARC, or through the police if you choose to report the assault. In some areas, healthcare professionals or local victim support services can help you access the right service.
No, you do not always have to report to the police before a forensic medical examination after sexual assault UK. In many areas you can have the examination and have evidence stored while you decide whether to involve the police later, depending on local procedures.
During a forensic medical examination after sexual assault UK, a specially trained clinician will usually take a medical history, ask about what happened, assess any injuries, offer treatment or referrals, and may collect forensic samples if you agree. The process should be explained to you and you can pause or stop at any time.
Yes, consent is central to a forensic medical examination after sexual assault UK. You should be told what each part of the examination involves, and you can agree to some parts and decline others, including evidence collection or photography.
Yes, in many cases a person can have a friend, family member, advocate, or support worker present during a forensic medical examination after sexual assault UK, subject to service rules and your comfort. A trained independent sexual violence adviser or interpreter may also be available if needed.
A forensic medical examination after sexual assault UK may involve collecting swabs, clothing, hair samples, nail samples, or other materials that could help preserve evidence. Which samples are taken depends on the details of the assault, the time elapsed, and what you consent to.
Yes, injuries may be photographed during a forensic medical examination after sexual assault UK if you consent. Photographs can help document the extent and location of injuries, and they are usually stored securely according to legal and clinical procedures.
A forensic medical examination after sexual assault UK can take from one to several hours depending on the need for medical care, the amount of evidence to collect, and your wishes. Services should work at your pace and allow breaks if needed.
A forensic medical examination after sexual assault UK should be done as gently as possible, but some parts may feel uncomfortable or upsetting, especially if you have injuries or trauma. Clinicians should explain each step, listen to your concerns, and stop if you ask them to.
After a forensic medical examination after sexual assault UK, you may be offered emergency contraception, sexual health testing, STI prevention or treatment, wound care, pain relief, and referrals for counselling or specialist support. The clinician can also discuss ongoing medical follow-up if needed.
Yes, in many parts of the UK evidence from a forensic medical examination after sexual assault UK can be stored for a period of time while you decide whether to report to police. The exact storage arrangements vary by service, so ask the clinic about local options.
Yes, a forensic medical examination after sexual assault UK can be available for children and young people, but it is carried out by specially trained professionals with extra safeguarding measures. The process will depend on the age of the child, the circumstances, and local child protection procedures.
Before a forensic medical examination after sexual assault UK, it can help to avoid washing, changing clothes, eating, drinking, or brushing teeth if possible, because this may preserve evidence. However, if you have already done any of these things, you can still seek help and should not delay contacting a service.
Yes, evidence and documentation from a forensic medical examination after sexual assault UK may be used in court if you choose to report the assault and legal proceedings follow. The clinician’s notes, photographs, and samples may form part of the evidence, subject to legal and evidential rules.
A forensic medical examination after sexual assault UK is handled with strict confidentiality, but there are limits where safeguarding or serious risk issues apply, especially for children or vulnerable adults. The service should explain what information is private, what may be shared, and with whom.
If someone feels unable to continue a forensic medical examination after sexual assault UK, they can stop or take a break at any time. The team should support the person emotionally, explain options, and help arrange further care or support if needed.
After a forensic medical examination after sexual assault UK, urgent help can be accessed through the clinic, NHS urgent care, 999 in an emergency, or crisis support services if there are immediate safety concerns. The service should also provide details of follow-up medical, emotional, and advocacy support.
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