Why might a forensic medical examination be required?
There are two main reasons for having the forensic medical examination.
The first reason is to make sure that all your medical needs are dealt with. This might include discussing the following:
- Emergency contraception (the morning after pill or emergency coil)
- Emergency treatment for hepatitis B or HIV
- Your mental health and wellbeing
- Looking after any injuries.
The second reason for the medical examination is to collect forensic evidence. This can be in the form of swabs (like a long cotton bud) for DNA and looking for injuries. Our doctors are specially trained to carefully collect evidence that can be used as part of an investigation.
The appointment may involve:
- The crisis worker making sure we have all your up-to-date details.
- The doctor taking a medical history.
- The doctor asking a few details about what has happened.
- A top to toe examination of the outside of your body. This isn’t done all at once. You will be given a hospital gown to wear and the doctor will check you over bit by bit, keeping you covered as much as possible. The doctor will be looking for any injuries that might be because of what has happened.
- An examination of your bottom and genitals to look for any injuries.
- Swabs (like a long cotton bud) from any place on your body that might have DNA evidence on it.
- A blood test and urine sample.
- The doctor giving you medication that you might need.
- Advice and support about your health.
- A conversation about what happens next for ongoing support.
Sometimes people don’t know or can’t remember what has happened but are worried they may have been sexually assaulted. It is ok if you can’t remember and are worried, we are still happy to see you for the examination but unfortunately, we can’t always tell you for sure if something has happened.
Please give us a call at any time on 0161 276 6515 to speak to one of our crisis workers. They will be able to answer any questions you might have.
