Being raped or sexually assaulted is very frightening. You may feel shocked, ashamed, distressed, angry, confused – a whole load of things at once. This is totally normal.
It’s helpful to tell someone as soon as possible about the assault. That way you get the support you need. Try to talk to someone who you trust and feel comfortable with, such as a parent, friend, teacher, or doctor.
Children under 13 (or their parent or carer) cannot come straight to the Havens. If you are under 13:
If you do contact the Havens first, we will ask you to contact the police or your local children’s social care team (depending on the circumstances).
You will meet one of our Children and Young Person’s (CYP) Team who will make sure you get the support you need.
You will have a top-to-toe assessment by a specialist children’s doctor (paediatrician). Forensic evidence will be collected, and your injuries will be recorded and photographed. This is called a forensic medical examination.
You have the medical examination in a private room. Your CYP team member will stay with you and explain everything that’s happening. You can have a friend or a family member with you as well, if you prefer, and an interpreter if you need one.
Your doctor will check you from top to toe. They will check you for any injuries such as cuts and bruises, and make careful notes of where they are and what they look like. They may also examine your genital area (private parts).
They may take samples, using cotton wool swabs, from your skin and from the areas involved in the assault, such as your vagina, anus or mouth. The police may send these samples to be tested for DNA or other evidence. Your doctor may also ask you to give samples of your blood and urine.
The clothes that you were wearing when you were assaulted may need to be kept as evidence and sent to the police laboratory for examination.
The examiner will also advise you about things such as emergency contraception, dealing with a possible pregnancy, checking for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and getting treatment. They will make a follow-up appointment for you.
Come and see us as soon as you can – it’s easier to make sure you’re ok and not physically injured. You will meet one of our Children and Young Person’s (CYP) Team who will make sure you get the support you need.
You will have a top-to-toe assessment by a specialist children’s doctor (paediatrician). This is called a holistic assessment.
You have the medical examination in a private room. Your CYP team member will stay with you and explain everything that’s happening. You can have a friend or a family member with you as well, if you prefer, and an interpreter if you need one.
Your doctor will check you from top to toe. They will check you for any injuries such as cuts and bruises and make careful notes of where they are and what they look like. They may also examine your genital area (private parts).
The examiner will also advise you about things such as emergency contraception, dealing with a possible pregnancy, checking for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and getting treatment. They will make a follow-up appointment for you.
Our follow-up care gives you the chance to get more support, advice and information to help you to recover both physically and emotionally.
You can talk to us about any concerns. And we can help you to decide what you want to do next and whether you want longer-term support.
You can find out more about the services we offer in our follow-up care area.