It’s important you consider getting medical help as soon as possible after a sexual assault or rape, because of potential injury and the additional risks of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or pregnancy.

If you’re over 16, hospitals and doctors will treat you in complete confidence, and will not tell the police unless you ask them to.

Even if you have no symptoms, a check-up for STIs is a sensible precaution after a rape or sexual assault. You can get help and advice from your GP or practice nurse, family planning clinic or Brook Centre (in England). Any of these can refer you to a sexual health clinic or genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic where you can be tested.

Treatment for STIs, especially HIV, is more effective and has better outcomes if provided early after contraction. You can get a referral from your GP, contact your nearest large hospital and ask for an appointment with the sexual health clinic, or you can search for a sexual health clinic near you on the NHS website (England) or NHS Wales website.

You can find out more about PEP, HIV and AIDS from Terrence Higgins Trust or from the THT Direct helpline on 0808 802 1221 (open Monday to Friday, 10am-6pm).

For general information about STIs, you can call the free NHS National Sexual Health Helpline on 0300 123 7123 (Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 11am-4pm).

If you’re worried about getting pregnant after a sexual attack, you can get free treatment and advice from family planning clinics, your GP or – if you’re in London – the Havens (specialist centres for people who have been raped or sexually assaulted). You can get free and immediate testing and emergency contraception to help prevent pregnancy.

If you choose emergency contraception, it will either be the ‘morning after pill’ (which must be taken within three days (72 hours) of the sexual assault) or an emergency coil (IUD), which must be fitted within five days. You can also get emergency contraception at an NHS sexual health clinic.

Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) are local partnerships between the police, health services and voluntary organisations.

They’re independent centres where victims of sexual violence can get specialist medical care and support, while at the same time having the opportunity to help any police investigation (if you choose to report the crime).

SARCs have specialist, trained staff who can ensure you get the right support and medical attention. You will not be judged, and you’ll be treated with respect at all times.

If you think you want the crime to be investigated, you can choose to have a forensic medical examination within seven days of the assault. These usually take place at a SARC. (See below for more information on forensic medical examinations.)

If appropriate, the police will ask you if you’d like to be referred, or you can go directly to the SARC yourself if you don’t want to report the incident to the police. The police will take further details from you only when you feel ready.

Support workers at the SARC can also help you access sexual health checks and any other medical aftercare you need. Eg sexual health advice, referrals for treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), or counselling referrals.

You can find your local SARC if you’re in England or if you’re in Wales.

If you’ve experienced rape or sexual assault in the last seven days, you may choose to have a forensic medical examination. You don’t have to have one, but it can provide useful evidence if you report the crime and the case goes to court.

(If the sexual violence happened more than a week ago, you won’t need a medical exam. But your statement to the police about the attack – if you choose to report – is still evidence.)

If you’re unsure about reporting to the police, having a forensic medical exam is still an option. You can self refer to a SARC without going to the police. SARCs are able to store forensic evidence that’s collected for up to two years to give you time to decide if you do want to report the assault.

An experienced, specially trained doctor or nurse, known as a forensic medical examiner (FME), will carry out the forensic medical examination at the SARC.

The examination will record any injuries you have because of the attack. The FME will ask you some health questions, and collect any physical evidence that’s available. For example, they may take samples of blood, urine or other swabs. They may also retain clothing or other items.

If you can, keep and do not wash the clothes you were wearing at the time. If you feel able to, try not to wash or shower, so the FME can record as much evidence as possible. Also, try not to eat, drink, smoke, brush your teeth or go to the toilet if you can.

The whole process at the SARC may take a few hours, but the medical exam is only a small part of this. You’re in charge of what happens at all times. Nothing will be done without your consent, and you can change your mind or withdraw your consent at any time.