After a forensic medical examination (FME)

Following the examination you will have the opportunity to have a shower if you want one and change your clothes. New clothes can be provided if you need them. You’ll also be offered something to eat and drink.

You will then have the opportunity to ask any questions you have, and any follow up healthcare appointments or referrals to other services or support will be arranged for you.

Your safety is of the utmost importance and every effort will be made to ensure you receive the right support, from the right people, at the right time.

If you self-refer to a sexual assault response co-ordination service (SARCS), the healthcare professionals will make sure you have somewhere safe to go when you leave. They’ll also support you to make a police report if that’s what you decide to do. It’s completely your decision whether to report the assault to the police.

You may wish to talk to someone from the Rape Crisis Scotland advocacy service about what reporting to the police would involve. They can support you through the process if you decide to go ahead.

There may be other support services that you can contact too.

If you wish to involve the police at a later stage, you can phone Police Scotland on 101 at any time.