Sexual Assault
Advice on sexual health services in Lothian following sexual assault
Sexual assault is unfortunately common, and services are available in Lothian 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.
NHS Lothian Sexual Assault Response Coordination Service (SARCS)
The NHS Scotland sexual assault self-referral phone service (SARCS) can help to arrange care for you in the days following a rape or sexual assault. Details of the service are available here:
https://www.nhsinform.scot/sarcs
You can also contact Chalmers Centre directly on 0131 536 1070 for advice, emergency contraception, HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEPSE) and STI testing. However we do not provide a forensic medical testing service and this would be arranged via SARCS.
Frequently asked questions
How likely am I to have a sexually transmitted infection (STI)?
We have found that between 10% and 14% of patients who attend our sexual assault clinic test positive for an STI. Chlamydia is the most commonly diagnosed infection, followed by gonorrhoea. Both are treatable with antibiotics. STI’s may have no symptoms and the health implications of an undiagnosed STI can be serious, so we do 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 Chalmers Centre.
Where can I get tested for STIs?
1) There is a dedicated sexual assault clinic every Wednesday afternoon at Chalmers Centre. The clinic is run by specialist staff who will be sensitive to your concerns and needs. STI testing involves swabs, which can be self-taken without the need to be examined and blood testing if appropriate. You can access this clinic by phoning 0131 536 1070 and requesting an appointment.
We would strongly recommend attending this clinic if possible, especially if you have symptoms which make you worried that you may have an STI.
2) You could also attend your GP who should be able to provide STI screening.
What about the risk of pregnancy?
If you are at risk of pregnancy from the assault then oral emergency contraception can be provided from the forensic medical doctor, your GP, many pharmacies and Chalmers Centre. Although the emergency contraceptive pill is often referred to as the “morning after pill” it can in fact be taken up to 5 days after intercourse. The most effective method of emergency contraception is the copper intra-uterine device (copper IUD), commonly known as a copper coil which can be fitted up to 5 days after sex or in some circumstances even later than this. More information on this method is available on this website and you can arrange for this to be fitted at Chalmers Centre – the copper IUD can be fitted even if you have already taken an emergency contraception tablet.
What does the Chalmers Sexual Assault Clinic offer?
A friendly, confidential service every Wednesday afternoon where you can discuss the risk of sexually transmitted infections which are relevant to you. We offer a comprehensive screen to detect a number of different infections that you may have been exposed to. Any tests will be explained fully to you and we will discuss the implications and treatment were any to return positive.
Will I need an internal examination?
Not necessarily. This will depend on whether you have any symptoms of an STI and we also take your personal preference into account. 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.
What will happen if I attend the sexual assault clinic at Chalmers?
Your initial appointment will take approximately half an hour. We will discuss which STIs you might have potentially been exposed to and what tests we can offer. We can also do pregnancy testing where necessary and provide ongoing contraception. We will be able to help you to make an informed choice with regards to what testing would be appropriate. The clinic is staffed by a dedicated nurse and doctor who will deal with your case in a sensitive and supportive manner.
Useful contacts
NHS Lothian Sexual Assault Response Coordination Service (SARCS)
Helpline: 0800 148 8888
Website: https://www.nhsinform.scot/sarcs
Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre (ERCC)
E-mail: support@ercc.scot or info@ercc.scot
Website: www.ercc.scot
Helpline: 0131 556 9437
Address: 17 Claremont Crescent, EH7 4HX
Open: 9am – 7pm, Monday – Friday
Rape Crisis Scotland
Helpline: 08088 010302
Website: https://www.rapecrisisscotland.org.uk/
East Lothian Sexual Abuse Service
Appointments and information:
Telephone: 07800 604 164
E-mail: elsas@ercc.scot
Midlothian Sexual Abuse Service
Appointments and information:
Telephone: 07860 774 503
E-mail: msas@ercc.scot
SafeLine
Helpline for male survivors: 0808 800 5008
Edinburgh Crisis Centre
24-hour helpline for adults who have used mental health services
Telephone: 0808 801 0414
Samaritans
Helpline 24hrs & drop in at: 25 Torphichen Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8HX (9.00am-10.00pm)
Telephone: 0131 221 9999 or 116 123 (free)
Essential resources from the Scottish Government
Website: www.survivorscotland.org.uk
Rape Crisis Scotland Helpline
Freephone helpline open daily: 6pm-12midnight
Telephone: 08088 010 302
Support e-mail: support@rapecrisisscotland.org.uk
Police Scotland
(ask your local Public Protection Unit)
Telephone: 101
Always phone 999 in an emergency