Seeing a doctor after you’ve been sexually assaulted
It’s important to see a doctor for a health check-up if you’ve been sexually assaulted. In Victoria the doctor may:
- Look for any injuries you might have and treat them
- Prescribe emergency contraception if there is any risk that you could become pregnant
- Discuss the risk of sexually transmitted infections. Prescribe medication to prevent diseases such as HIV or Hepatitis B, and make a follow-up appointment for a test if needed.
What is emergency contraception?
Also known as the morning after pill, this can be taken within 72 hours (3 days) of a sexual assault happening. This pill stops a woman from becoming pregnant.
Prevention of HIV
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is used to stop you developing HIV. PEP is usually given within the first 72 (3 days) hours after the assault.
Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin is given to people who are at risk of contracting Hepatitis B and have not been vaccinated.
You have several options for seeing a doctor. If you phone the Sexual Assault Crisis Line on 1800 806 292 to talk to a Counsellor, you can choose to see a doctor at a Crisis Care Unit.
Who is a counsellor?
A professional who has been specially trained to support people who have been sexually assaulted or abused. The Counsellor can also speak with medical and legal services on behalf of the person if they want this.
If you’ve reported the assault to the police
If the police are involved, you can also choose to have a forensic medical examination. This would take place at a Crisis Care Unit. A specialist doctor would give you the health check-up and collect forensic evidence.
This doctor comes from the Victorian Forensic Paediatric Medical Service
This is a medical examination where forensic evidence is collected to help the police with their case.
What is forensic evidence?
This is when a doctor collects evidence for the police and writes a report. Things that might be used as forensic evidence include photographs of bruises or wounds. The Doctor may also take swabs using long medical cotton-buds. Taking swabs means wiping areas of your skin or body to collect items for evidence or for testing.
If you haven’t reported the assault
If you are under 18, you can see a doctor from the Victorian Forensic Paediatric Medical Service, without reporting the assault to the police. Call the Sexual Assault Crisis Line on 1800 806 292.
Seeing your GP or a sexual health service
If you decide not to see a doctor at the Crisis Care Unit it is really important for your health that you make an appointment with your GP or a sexual health service. For example The Action Centre which is part of Family Planning Victoria.
Consent from your parents
Your parents may need to give consent for a health check or forensic medical examination – depending on your age and the assessment of the medical staff looking after you.
Links
For more informationFor more information about this or to contact the South Eastern Centre Against Sexual Assault go to the SECASA website. |
