Was your client Sexually Assaulted within the last 7-10 days?
It is very important that you consider;
2. Preserving as much evidence as possible
If your client decides to report to the police ... if possible advise the following:
- Do not wash
- Do not brush your teeth
- Do not have a cigarette
- Do not eat or drink
- Do not change your clothes (or keep them safely to one side)
- Try not go to the toilet and do not dispose of any sanitary wear
- Do not clear up anything from the area of the incident.
Don't worry if your client/patient has already done some of these things. It is quite possible that there is still evidence to collect as well as injuries that can be documented.
Talk to your client about the possibility of a forensic medical examination. A forensic medical examination can be conducted with or without police involvement.
Make a referral to your local Sexual Assault Referral Centre or call the Police on 999 in an emergency or 08452 777444 in a non-emergency.
Do not forget to complete a Disclosure Form for your own records.
