Medical Information
Forensic Examination
If the rape has occurred in the last 72 hours the police may want you to undergo a forensic medical examination.
The purpose of this examination is to collect any possible evidence for a court case, such as injuries, semen, blood, hair etc. It is not an examination for STD’s, or other health matters. While this forensic evidence can assist in
a court case it is NOT necessary that you have one. You have the right to refuse this examination.
The forensic examination is only done with your written consent. If you do not want to involve the police, there is no need to have a forensic examination. If you are unsure whether you want to proceed with the statement or not, you can still have the forensic examination so the evidence is recorded for you if you want to proceed later on. You have the right to ask for a woman or a male doctor to do the forensic examination.
You can also have a support person with you during the forensic examination, which is conducted in the presence of a female SACAT investigator. An advocate from the Rape Crisis Centre or somewhere else can help in insisting that your requests be met.
HIV/AIDS
A test for HIV immediately after the rape will only determine if the virus was present at the time of the rape, not as a result of the rape. It is necessary to wait for at least 3 months before a test can show if HIV was contracted from the rape (or from around the time of the rape).
It is important that anyone undergoing HIV testing receives information and pre-test counselling. This should include discussion of the consequences of HIV infection, safe sex etc. Anyone has the right to refuse HIV testing and
must not be tested without their informed consent.
Medical Needs
There are several basic medical needs that every person should have attended to immediately after they are raped.
These include:
- Early checks for sexually transmitted diseases; and
- Care for general body trauma.
Regardless of whether you report the assault to the police or not, it is important that you see a doctor as soon as possible. Caring for your body is one way to start regaining the control that was stripped away by the assault. The Rape Crisis Centre keeps a list of sympathetic doctors and can assist you to contact one of these doctors.
Children are also advised to seek medical assistance accompanied by a parent or guardian. A doctor who the child knows and is comfortable with would be the best choice. There is also a doctor at the Child at Risk Assessment
Unit at the Canberra Hospital for your immediate physical needs. You may have been injured in ways that you are unaware of as yet.
You may be feeling too shocked or ‘numbed’ to really be in touch with damage that may have been done. A sympathetic doctor can tell you about any problems that may arise for you and ways to prevent or treat them. You will also get an opportunity to ease any fears you may have about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Knowing what the possibilities are and having a supportive doctor will help you to feel you are regaining control of your life.
Medical and Health Services
It is advisable following a sexual assault that you have a medical examination and checkup, (even if you do not want to report the assault to the police).
If you do not have a doctor that you know and trust, you can phone the Canberra Rape Crisis Centre on 6247 2525 and we can refer you to a sympathetic female or male doctor.
Other options include:
Aboriginal Health Clinic (Winnunga Nimmityjah)
Contact: 6249 7555 (9am-5pm, Mon-Fri)
The Canberra Sexual Health Centre
Contact: 6244 2184 Mon, Tue 9.30am-12pm; 1.30pm-4.30pm; Wed 1.30pm-4.30pm; Thur 9.30am-12pm, 1.30pm-5.30pm; Fri 9.30am-12pm, 1.30pm-4pm
Emergency Medical Care Canberra Hospital
Contact: 6244 2222 (24 hours switchboard)
Calvary Public Hospital
Contact: 6201 6111 24 hours
6201 6208 Accident and Emergency (24 hours)
A.C.T. Ambulance Service
Contact: 000 24 hours
6207 8318 TTY