Medical Examinations
We will take you to a safe haven, the Rowan Centre, where medical and emotional care is available for you. It has a comfortable sitting room, a medical examination room, a bathroom where you can have a shower after the examination and a comfortable interview room. Also available to you will be a fresh change of clothes and personal toiletries.
You will be met by a specially trained male(STO) or female officer, whichever you prefer, and who will ask you if you would like emotional or practical support from a crisis worker, whilst you are at the centre. If you do the officer will arrange this.
The officer will ask you for details about the attack. Although it may be unpleasant and embarrassing for you to talk about the assault, it is important that you tell us as much detail as you can.
You will be asked to agree to be examined by a doctor who has been specially trained to carry out these examinations. As far as possible you will be offered a choice of a female or male doctor. The doctor will advise you on emergency contraception and screening for sexually transmitted infections. The purpose of the examination is to make sure that you get the medical help you need, to look for evidence and to take forensic samples.
If you have any bruises, cuts or other injuries to your body, which took place during the assault, these will need to be photographed either by a police officer or police photographer. Again as far as possible you will be offered the choice of a male or female.
Very occasionally the examination may take place in the hospital if your injuries are serious enough to warrant urgent medical attention.
It is important to remember that the police cannot force you to do anything, it is your choice. If you do not agree to any part of the investigation for example, the medical examination, that is your right, we will not pressurise you into something that you do not want to do.