Immediate aftercare

As part of your forensic medical examination, we may offer you immediate aftercare, such as a pregnancy test and emergency contraception where appropriate.

We recommend you take a pregnancy test if needed, and have a full sexual health screening, two to three weeks following a sexual assault. Sexually transmitted infections can have a major impact on your health, so it is important to get the right treatment as soon as possible.

It’s up to you which services you use for any follow-up care. There are a number of options. You can attend your local sexual health clinic or access a home testing kit from Sexual Health London. If you wish to discuss this further, please call the Havens.

Follow-up care

We offer follow-up services and ongoing support up to 12 months after the assault.

Counselling

We have a psychology and counselling team offering therapy and support within the first 12 months of the assault. This will be offered to you depending on availability.

You can also contact:

The Havens self help guide provides information about common psychological and emotional reactions to sexual assault that you might find useful.

Independent advocates (ISVAs)

Our Independent Sexual Violence Advocates (ISVAs) support survivors going through the criminal justice process. ISVAs can support you with a wide range of issues including:

  • preparing you for the court process
  • going with you to court
  • speaking to the police, Crown Prosecution Service and others if you have not been treated well.

We can accept ISVA referrals for survivors aged 4 to 12 years old, whether or not they been cared for by The Havens before.

We can only accept ISVA referrals for survivors aged 13 or over if they have had a forensic medical examination or child protection medical with us, or at another Sexual Assault Referral Centre.

If you are a survivor or their parent or carer, complete this short form to request information, a phone call, or to be added to the waiting list.

If you are a professional caring for a survivor you can also refer them to an ISVA

Can I bring someone with me?

You are welcome to bring a friend, family member, or partner with you for support. But we will want to speak to you on your own during your visit, so you have a chance to talk and ask us about everything you need to.

Counselling and psychology sessions are for you to attend alone, unless you have agreed with the counsellor or clinical psychologist that you can have someone with you.