Rape and Sexual Assault
If you have been raped or sexually assaulted, you should report it to the police by phoning 101 as soon as possible. If you are in immediate danger, phone 999. You have been victim to a criminal act and are not in any way responsible for what has happened to you. Reporting to the police does not mean you have to do anything you don’t feel comfortable doing but it gives the police the chance to explain to you what your options are. Remember, historic sexual assaults and rapes can be reported at any time so just because it hasn’t occurred recently does not mean the police will not take you seriously.
If you do not wish to report this to the police, you may still require medical care. This includes treatment for injuries, emergency contraception or testing for sexually transmitted infections. You may also require some support emotionally. Anyone, female, male or trans can be a victim of sexual violence. We understand how difficult it can be to discuss your experience, even with family and friends, and that this time can be traumatic. At Highland Sexual Health, we have a specially trained team of female doctors and nurses who are available to provide this support and care.
Information about the NHS Sexual Assault Response Coordination Service (SARCS)
If you have recently been raped or sexually assaulted, it’s understandable if you don’t know what to do or where to turn.
SARCS is a dedicated NHS service which can offer healthcare and support in the days after an assault, if you are not ready to tell the police or are unsure.
What options are available to me?
Police report
If you have been raped or sexually assaulted, you can report it to the police at any time, in an emergency situation dial 999, non-emergencies dial 101, www.scotland.police.uk
Self-referral to a SARCS
If you have been raped or sexually assaulted within the last 7 days and do not want to tell the police or are unsure about telling them now - you can self-refer to a SARCS. This means you don’t need a GP or other healthcare professional to refer you to a SARCS - you can do this yourself.
You can phone a dedicated NHS telephone number 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and speak to a specially trained healthcare professional who can help to arrange the care you might need.
You can find more information about how to self-refer to a SARCS and the telephone number to call, on the NHS Inform website www.nhsinform.scot/sarcs
For further links to support please go to the Support section of the website.