The Introductory Training Course in Sexual Offence Medicine is following the Faculty of Forensic & Legal Medicine (FFLM) recommendations.
Dates
- Monday 10 February to Friday 14 February 2025 (FME session for non-FME colleagues on Wednesday 26 February 2025, 2.30pm to 4.30pm)
- Monday 23 June to Friday 27 June 2025 (FME session for non-FME colleagues on Wednesday 2 July 2025, 2.30pm to 4.30pm)
- Monday 22 September to Friday 26 September 2025 (FME session for non-FME colleagues on Wednesday 1 October 2025, 2.30pm to 4.30pm)
Format
This is a five-day course, held in person (with the exception of the FME session for non-FME colleagues which takes place via MS Teams).
The first three days are open to all individuals working with and supporting survivors of rape and sexual assault. On the afternoon of day three, we provide a ‘trauma-informed’ session for all attendees.
The remaining two days are open to forensic clinicians who undertake forensic medical examinations (FMEs), for example, forensic physicians, forensic nurse examiners or paediatricians.
Additional training, Courtroom Confidence, will take place over one day. It is open to delegates attending the full course.
Course outline
Days one to three:
- the law relating to sexual assault
- introduction to the different models of care
- incidence, prevalence and statistics
- consent, confidentiality and ethics
- initial assessments, record-keeping and general principles
- the role of the independent sexual violence adviser (ISVA)
- safeguarding adults and children
- police organisation, the role of the specialist officer, early evidence and early evidence kits (EEKs)
- the role of the crisis worker and non-police referrals
- the role of the approved mental health professional (AMHP)
- assessment of mental health
- substance use and co-morbidity
- understanding trauma-informed practice and self-care
- case discussions
Days four to five:
- forensic science and sampling:
– general principles
– anti-contamination considerations
- use of colposcope
- post assault care
– immediate
– referrals
– follow-up
- forensic medical examination notes and samples
- discussion of initial assessments and case scenarios/examples
- documentation and interpretation of findings and injuries (general and body) including non-fatal strangulation
- ano-genital anatomy and examination documentation of ano-genital findings and injury
- ongoing training and CPD, peer review meetings and qualifications
Locations
The ITC in SOM course will take place in Central London – venue to be confirmed.
The FME session for non-FME staff will take place via MS Teams.
Fees
- £595 for first three days only (recommended for non-FME staff)
- £995 for five day course
- £1,295 for five day course, plus Courtroom Confidence training (recommended for those carrying out FMEs)
Booking
To attend this course, please download and complete The Havens education course booking form (pdf) and:
- email to kch-tr.havenseducation@nhs.net; or
- post it to: Training, Engagement and Awareness Raising Team, The Havens, King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9RS.