Your Options

Sexual assault is a terrifying, humiliating and traumatic experience and we understand you will probably be feeling afraid and confused about what to do next. If unsure, you can telephone us for advice before making a decision as to what to do.

We understand that there are circumstances that can lead to you not being able to remember some, or all of the events. This can be because assaults are often traumatic and shocking, but also alcohol and/or drugs may have been involved which can affect your memory. This is nothing to be ashamed about, and it does not mean nothing happened or that it was your fault. Under the law a person can only consent to sexual activity if they choose to do so.

If you do attend The Meadows we cannot always confirm or rule out that something happened. You may never know what happened but we can offer you support.

Immediately after an attack:

It is important that you are safe – if your health is at risk, or you are in danger, then call the emergency services on 999, and if you are able, try to go to a safe place.

If you choose to report the crime to police (Police referral):

If you decide you want to report the crime, notify the police immediately. Reporting the crime can help to ensure your safety and the safety of other potential victims.

A specially trained officer (Sexual Offence Liaison Officer) will bring you to The Meadows to ensure you receive support in an anonymous environment and you will be offered a forensic medical examination which will be carried out in a sensitive and respectful way by an experienced doctor. The examination will take place only with your consent and will also include a ‘head-to-toe’ examination to check for injury. Any specimens, such as swabs, as well as a urine or blood test may be taken during this time.  (A friend or relative can stay with you during the examination if you wish).

It is important that the medical examination is carried out as soon as possible after the attack to help capture any forensic evidence. If you do choose to undergo a forensic medical examination it is advisable not to shower, bathe, douche, or brush your teeth until after the examination, and to preserve any clothing worn at the time of the assault.

The doctor will then be able to advise you of any medical treatment you may need afterwards, including advice on sexual health screening, as well as provide/prescribe medication in relation to emergency contraception.

Following the examination you will be offered a shower and a change of clothing.

The specially trained officer will also take a comprehensive account of the offence when you are ready to do so.

You will then be offered specialist rape counselling appointments, a sexual health screening appointment, and the support of a Victim Support outreach worker.

If you choose not to report the crime (Non-police referral):

If you are unsure, or do not want to report the crime to police, you can call The Meadows to discuss the options open to you. You will be offered all the services of a non-police referral (see details above).

Forensic Medical Examination

If you choose to undertake a forensic medical examination all evidential samples will be stored confidentially at The Meadows in the event that you later decide to report the assault to police.  (These samples will be stored within The Meadows for a period of 12 months and will automatically be destroyed after that period).

You may decide to anonymously provide details of the assault to the Police through The Meadows. This may help with the prevention of future attacks. We will do this for you – you do not have to speak with the police directly, or be identified.

If you do choose to undertake a forensic medical examination, to preserve as much evidence as possible we advise the following:-

• Try not to wash, bathe, shower, or brush teeth prior to examination
• Keep and do not wash any clothing and underwear worn at the time of offence, or shortly afterward. Put them in separate bags if possible.
• Try not to go to the toilet
• Keep any sanitary protection worn at the time of the incident
• Keep any discarded condoms used during the incident
• Keep and do not wash any bedding used in the incident
• If the attacker drank anything, keep the unwashed glass / cup
• If the attacker smoked cigarettes or chewed gum, keep any cigarette ends (bagged) or discarded gum (store bagged in fridge)

If you’re able to do any of these things, even though they may be difficult for you, the evidence you can preserve is likely to be of great help if you do eventually decide to report to the police at a later date.

Counselling

Counselling is available to survivors of sexual assault who live in the County Durham and Darlington area. (Referrals for adults who were subjected to child sexual abuse will be referred on to the Darlington branch of The Rape and Sexual Abuse Counselling Centre).

We can offer up to 12 counselling sessions, which are usually held once a week, with each lasting approximately 50 minutes.

The counsellor at The Meadows can help you deal with your feelings after a sexual assault or rape and aims to help you understand how the assault has affected you, and how to cope and adapt to life afterwards. The counsellor listens to you in a supportive way, and will not criticise or judge you. She can offer information and other support, depending on what you want.
Counselling is 'client led', which means that you remain in control of the sessions. Sometimes you may feel upset and vulnerable during or after sessions. If you are experiencing feelings that disturb you, you can talk to your counsellor about it.

The counselling service at The Meadows is confidential. However, please note the following important points:-

Counsellors sometimes discuss their work with colleagues, but without revealing a client's identity. They do this in order to improve their skills and help make sure the client gets the best service.

If the assault results in a legal case, there is a rare possibility that the judge may order counselling notes to be given to the court.

Information nay have to be passed on if a child is at risk of harm. This will be discussed at the first counselling session.

Sexual Health Screening

We can offer you a sexual health screening appointment to return to either The Meadows or your local hospital GUM department (approximately 14 days after the assault) where any tests can be carried out and any concerns can be discussed with a Sexual Health Advisor Nurse.
Even if you do not telephone or visit The Meadows for support, we strongly recommend that you visit your local hospital GUM Dept for health advice within 72 hours of the assault.

Emergency Contraception

If you attend for a forensic medical examination and you meet the criteria for post-coital contraception (the morning after pill) this can also be provided at the Centre.

If you choose not to attend The Meadows, emergency contraception can also be obtained from most Chemist shops, your G.P., or GUM Department and should be taken no later than 72 hours after the assault.

Victim Support Referral

Victim Support is an independent national charity for people affected by crime. Specially trained sexual violence volunteers can provide information and practical help and support.