Rape and sexual assault (Guidelines)

Immediate actions following disclosure

Patients have the right to confidential care and autonomy in decision-making. SARCS can support patients without police involvement, if they choose.

• Blue path: For Healthcare Professionals contacting SARCS staff.
• Green path: For Individuals choosing to self-refer.
• Red path: For Individuals choosing to report to police.

Treat any immediate concerns or medical conditions requiring attention or make necessary arrangements for this. Be alert to any red flags that could indicate Non-Fatal Strangulation (NFS) and take appropriate action.

See also:

• Guidelines for clinical management of non-fatal strangulation in acute and emergency care services. 
• Supporting documents - Sexual Assault Response Coordination Service: guidance for healthcare professionals - gov.scot

Police report

If a person wishes to report the assault to the police, a FME will be arranged through Police Scotland.

If the person wishes to report the assault, they should contact Police Scotland on 101. A Sexual Offences Liaison Officer (SOLO) would normally arrange the appointment at a SARCS to access a FME. SARCS staff will address any immediate healthcare needs and coordinate referrals to onward care and support as they would for a self-referral. Police will arrange an appointment with the SARCS

Self-referral

Self-referral to a SARCS enables a person to request an FME to collect any potential evidence if they do not feel ready to report to the police or are unsure about doing so. Self-referral phone service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 0800 148 8888- must be made by the person.

Self-referral is available for people aged 16 and over, subject to professional judgement.

SARCS staff will also address any immediate health care needs including Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and Blood Borne Viruses (BBV) testing and provision of emergency contraception (if appropriate). They will coordinate onward referrals for care and support

📞 When should HCPs contact SARCS?

1. Seeking advice or clarification

• Unsure about the referral process or eligibility.
• Need guidance on consent, forensic timing, complex medical or psychological conditions or safeguarding concerns.

2. Supporting a patient who wishes to self-refer

• To help the patient understand their options and what SARCS can offer.
• To confirm availability or logistics before the patient makes contact.

NHS Highland

• Sexual Assault Response Coordination Service (SARCS) | NHS Highland

National

• Sexual Assault Response Coordination Service - Sexual Assault Response Coordination Service: guidance for healthcare professionals - gov.scot
• HIS: Healthcare and forensic medical services standards
• Institute Addressing Strangulation: Guidelines for clinical management of non-fatal strangulation in acute and emergency care services.

Referral and Support

SARCS can arrange a forensic medical examination (within 7 days of the assault), or provide ongoing healthcare and psychological support, and support patients whether or not they choose to report to police.

Provide the leaflet: Turn to SARCS: Information about the NHS Sexual Assault Response Coordination Service (SARCS) 

• This explains the options in more detail, including what a FME involves and how to access other support services.
• If the leaflet is unavailable, or if the person does not want to take away a physical copy, signpost to Turn to SARCS webpage on NHS Inform.
• Alternatively you can show them the QR code below which will take them to the digital version of the leaflet.

SARCS

• https://www.nhshighland.scot.nhs.uk//your-services/all-services-a-z/sexual-assault-response-coordination-service-sarcs/

RASASH

• RASASH | Rape & Sexual Abuse Service Highland
• Call us for support on 03330 066909
  Text us on 07451 288080
  Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri 1-5pm

Rape Crisis Scotland

• Helpline 08088 010302 Daily 5pm-midnight

Victim Support Scotland

• 0800 160 1985 (Mon to Fri 8am to 8pm)
  victimsupport.scot/

Breathing Space

• 0800 83 85 87 (Mon to Thurs: 6pm to 2am, Fri: 6pm to Mon 6am)
  www.breathingspace.scot

Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline

• 0800 027 1234 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
  www.sdafmh.org.uk

National Domestic Abuse Helpline

• 0808 2000 247 (freephone, 24-hour)
  www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk

Childline

• 0800 1111 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
  www.childline.org.uk

• BBV: Blood Borne Viruses
• FME: Forensic Medical examination
• HCP: Health care professional
• NFS: Non-Fatal Strangulation
• SARCS: Sexual Assault Response Coordination Service
• SOLO: Sexual Offences Liaison Officer 
• STI: Sexually Transmitted Infections