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Sexual Health

Sexual Assault

If you’ve experienced sexual assault, please know that you are not alone. There are confidential services available to support you whether the incident happened recently or in the past.

It is your choice what happens next. 

Your options

Report to the police: You can do this at any time, but it’s best to act quickly if you want forensic evidence collected.

Not ready to report? That’s okay. You can still access full support services through a SARC or our clinic. (Please note we cannot do forensic tests at the Florey unit)

Talk to someone: Rape Crisis 0808 500 2222  https://247sexualabusesupport.org.uk/ you can call day or night

What to do after an assault

Seek medical care as soon as possible. This can include:

  • Emergency contraception.
  • PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) to prevent HIV
  • STI screening and vaccinations
  • Treatment for injuries
  • Emotional support

Preserve evidence (if you’re considering reporting). Try not to wash, eat, drink, or change clothes before a forensic exam. But even if you have, support is still available.

Visit a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC). SARCs offer confidential medical and emotional support, including forensic examinations, even if you don’t want to involve the police. 

Where to get help

Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) - https://www.solacesarc.org.uk/ 
0300 130 3036

Forensic exams available in Slough, even without police involvement.

Trust House Reading - https://www.trusthouse.org.uk/
0779 156 7155 

Offers male or female support workers on request.

Berkshire Women’s Aid - https://www.berkshirewomensaid.org.uk/ 
0118 950 4003

Rape Crisis England & Wales rapecrisis.org.uk 0808 500 2222 (24/7 support line)

Need More Information?

Visit the NHS page on help after rape and sexual assault for more guidance on what to expect and how to access care.

Confidentiality

We understand that sharing information about sexual assault can be incredibly difficult, and we are committed to treating everything you tell us with the highest level of confidentiality and respect.Any information you share with us will remain confidential and will not be passed on to anyone outside our service unsless we believe there is a serious and immediate risk to your safety or the safety of others. We will not report any incident to the police without your consent, unless there are safeguarding concerns or an ongoing risk of harm. If such a situation arises, we will always aim to discuss this with you first and keep you informed every step of the way.