Improving healthcare services for victims of sexual offences is a priority for NHS Ayrshire & Arran. As part of the West of Scotland regional workforce model, we want to make sure that timely healthcare support, including a forensic medical examination (FME), is available to individuals who have experienced rape or sexual assault, in a way that is sensitive, compassionate and reduces the risk of any re-traumatisation.
Ayrshire residents who have experienced rape or sexual assault (within the last 7 days), will have the option of where they would attend for a forensic medical examination. We have a new bespoke facility within Ayrshire at The Willows.
The Willows is a dedicated sexual assault response co-ordination service (SARCS) that is here to offer healthcare choices and support in the days after an assault. Find out more at www.nhsinform.scot/SARCS
Adults who have experienced recent rape or sexual assault can be offered forensic medical examination in the new facility, which has been designed to be as comfortable and responsive to the needs of those who use the service as possible.
Supporting individuals in this way is a multi-agency response and we have been working closely with our colleagues in the West of Scotland Centre of Expertise (Archway), Police Scotland and Third Sector partners to ensure a joined up approach to support.
What is a Forensic Medical Examination?
A Forensic Medical Examination (FME) is part of the healthcare process following a rape or sexual assault. Every effort will be made to ensure the person is made to feel as comfortable as possible by staff who are trained to understand and take account of the trauma they have experienced.
The forensic medical examination (FME) is carried out by a specially trained clinician who can collect evidence that could help any subsequent police investigation. A specially trained nurse will also be in attendance for support during the examination and to assist the clinician where required.
The staff will explain what will happen during the examination and why they are carrying this out.
What to do if someone has experienced rape or sexual assault in the past 7 days
Police involvement
As a victim of a sexual offence you can choose to report the incident to the police by calling 101.
The police will advise about the Forensic Medical Examination (FME) service and support you to discuss this with a specialist healthcare professional. They will help you decide if a FME meets your needs.
When a FME is being arranged you can choose where this takes place.
You will be offered healthcare and follow up aftercare appropriate to your needs.
You can change your mind at any stage.
No police involvement
As a victim of a sexual offence you can choose not to report the incident to the police, if you are undecided or not ready to do so.
Self-referral to a SARCS – 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
You can choose to access sexual health services at any time, for example for pregnancy and/or STI testing, by contacting the Ayrshire and Arran sexual health service on 01294 323226 (Monday – Friday 0830hrs-1630hrs).
Online contacts and further guidance
Gatehouse Sexual Health Service, Ayrshire (Mon-Fri 0830-1630hrs) | 01294 323 226 | www.shayr.com
Moving On Ayrshire (South Ayrshire)
Break the Silence (East and North Ayrshire)