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Emergencies
NHSL Sexual Assault Response Coordination Service, The Dunnock Suite, is a specialist medical and forensic service for anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted within the last 7 days. It is designed to be comfortable and multi-functional, providing private space for interviews and forensic examinations.
Forensic examinations can be part of the healthcare process following rape or sexual assault. Every effort will be made to ensure you feel as comfortable as possible, by staff who are trained to understand and take account of the trauma you have experienced.
The forensic medical examination is carried out by a specially trained doctor who can collect evidence that could help any subsequent police investigation. A specially trained nurse will explain what will happen during the examination and will be in attendance to support you and to assist the doctor where required.
Our specialist team at the Dunnock Suite are trained to help you make informed decisions about what you want to do next.
This service can be provided to anyone from age 16.
The NHS Scotland sexual assault self-referral phone service can help to arrange care for you in the days following a rape or sexual assault: NHS Inform SARCS
Check out more information on the Sexual Assault Response Coordination Service (SARCS)
Also, check out this Easy-read Self-referral Leaflet
If you decide to report
As a victim of a sexual offence, you can choose to report the incident to the police by calling 101. The police will advise you about the Forensic Medical Examination (FME) service and support you to discuss this with a specialist healthcare professional. They will help you decide if an FME is required. You will also be offered healthcare and follow-up aftercare appropriate to your needs. You can change your mind at any stage.
If you decide NOT to report
As a victim of a sexual offence, you can choose not to report the incident to the police if you are undecided or not ready to do so. You can speak to any local healthcare professional or a specialist service such as Rape Crisis, who can offer urgent care and support. You can choose to speak with a specialist healthcare professional from The Dunnock Suite by calling 0800 14 88 888 and they will advise you about self-referral Forensic Medical Examination. You do not have to have an FME and can choose not to.
If you don’t want to be seen locally, you can be seen at any other West of Scotland Suite. To self-refer, please call 0800 14 88 888.
If you wish to report rape or sexual assault to the police, you can do so at any time after it has happened by calling 101. If you have been raped or sexually assaulted more than 7 days ago we can provide information on other services that can help. These services are available to anyone over the age of 12:
- Lanarkshire Rape Crisis Centre (LRCC) – will talk to anyone who has had an unwanted sexual experience – 01698 527003.
- Rape Crisis Scotland – Helpline 08088 01 03 02 (daily, 5 pm to midnight)
- NHS Lanarkshire Sexual Health – Phone 0300 303 0251 (Mon – Thurs: 9 am-4.43 pm and Fri: 9 am-4 pm)
- Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline – 0800 027 1234 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
In Scotland, the legal age of consent is 16. This means that in the eyes of the Law, people aged 16 and over have the maturity to make the decision to have sex. The law is the same for gay, straight and bisexual people.
If you are under 16 and have experienced sexual abuse, there are people who want to help. Experiencing sexual violence can make you feel ashamed, but it is important to remember, it is never your fault.
You don’t have to keep it to yourself even if you have been told this is private and should be kept a secret. It is up to you who you tell. You have a right to get help and be safe.
It might help to speak to an adult that you trust, this could be your parent or guardian, teacher, police or another safe adult. You can also phone the Lanarkshire Rape Crisis Helpline at 01698 527003.
If the first person you tell doesn’t listen, tell another safe person. Depending on what’s happened, you might need to get checked out for any infections or pregnancy. A school nurse or sexual health clinic can help with this.
If you are scared or feel that you are in danger, contact 999.