MISINFORMATION:
The Scottish Government’s sexual assault response co-ordination service (SARCS) is encouraging people to be alert to an external campaign providing misinformation for those experiencing rape or sexual assault.
A company called ‘myenough.com’ is encouraging people who have experienced rape or sexual assault to purchase a DIY DNA swab kit. Clinicians from the Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine and NHS SARCS in England were cited as advisors to this campaign. This is NOT correct. As such, the Scottish Government SARCS Policy Unit, Chief Medical Officer Directorate are asking that you remain alert to the numerous issues; safeguarding risks and potential misinformation surrounding this campaign. The campaign had a particular focus on getting buy in from universities, with the intention of offering the kits to students during Freshers’ Week.
Anyone seeking support following a recent rape or sexual assault, should be directed to the following information: Turn to SARCS | NHS inform
Sexual assault is unfortunately common and services are available in the Borders to help provide compassionate support to any person who has experienced this distressing event either recently or in the past, and to provide any investigations or medical treatment necessary.
Locally and nationally we are working to improve services for survivors, including SARCS.
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 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 on the NHS Inform website www.nhsinform.scot/sarcs.
You can contact SARCS on: 0800 148 8888
The following video shows you how the SARCS service can help you: NHS SARCS service
Survivors of rape and sexual assault can attend A+E, GPs or Borders Sexual Health services. If the assault was recent, staff will offer to examine and treat any immediate injuries. You may be given medicines to prevent infection, and (for women) emergency contraception if appropriate. You will be supported in decision making regarding police involvement.
We now have a new facility in the Borders for survivors who wish to undergo forensic examination. You will be offered follow up for psychological/trauma support, infection screening and pregnancy testing/contraception if appropriate.
Frequently asked questions
How likely am I to have a sexually transmitted infection (STI)?
Less than 15% of patients who attend our sexual assault clinic test positive for an STI. Chlamydia is the most common infection, followed by gonorrhoea. Both are treatable with antibiotics. STIs may have no symptoms and the health implications of an undiagnosed STI can be serious so we recommend testing for reassurance and for your long term health. It is very uncommon indeed for a diagnosis of HIV or syphilis to be made following a sexual assault but testing for these infections can give peace of mind. Testing for chlamydia and gonorrhoea should be done 14 days or more after sexual assault and HIV & syphilis tests after 3 months as they have a longer incubation period.
What is the risk of having caught HIV?
The risk of HIV is often much lower than people think. Highest risk is from anal intercourse – the risk of catching HIV from unprotected anal sex with an HIV positive man is around 1 in 90. The risk of HIV transmission can be substantially reduced if a month long course of anti-HIV medication is started within 72 hours (known as PEP or post exposure prophylaxis). This is given in high risk cases and can be started either in A&E or Borders Sexual Health.
Where can I get tested for STIs?
1) At any of our Borders Sexual Health clinics. You can make an appointment online or by phoning us.
2) You could also attend your GP.
What about the risk of pregnancy?
If you are at risk of pregnancy from the assault then oral emergency contraception can be provided from, your GP, many pharmacies, Borders Sexual Health clinics, A+E, or from the Forensics doctor if you have reported to the police. The “morning after pill” can actually be taken up to 5 days after intercourse. The most effective method of emergency contraception is the copper coil (copper IUD). This can be fitted up to 5 days after sex, or in some circumstances even later than this. More information on this is available on this website and you can arrange for this to be fitted at some GPs or Borders Sexual Health.
Will I need an internal examination?
Not necessarily. This will depend on whether you have any symptoms of an STI. Self-taken swabs can be used in many circumstances. If we do recommend that you need an examination this will be fully explained to you in advance and ultimately it is still your decision.
Useful contacts
SARCS – 0800 148 8888 (if you are undecided about reporting to the Police)
Police Scotland – 101 (999 in an emergency)
Scottish Borders Rape Crisis – 01896 661 070 or 07584149691 (09:30-17:00 Mon-Fri) National helpline 08088 01 03 02 (6pm-midnight)
Borders Sexual Health
Dial 01896 663 700
Male survivors
Support for Adults disclosing childhood sexual assault
Border Women’s Aid
Dial 01835863514
CLiCK – a women-led safety and well-being service for women selling or exchanging sex in Scotland
