Sexual Health

Sexual health clinics, also known as genitourinary medicine (GUM) or sexual and reproductive health clinics, are free and available to everyone no matter your age, gender, ethnicity or sexuality. 

The services they offer include: 

• Tests and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV
• Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) medicine to protect against HIV
• Contraception, including emergency contraception and advice 
• Pregnancy testing
• Abortion advice
• Hepatitis A and B vaccinations
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations
• Help after rape or sexual assault

Find a sexual health clinic

Visiting a sexual health clinic is confidential. You can ask for a female or male nurse or doctor and you can also request a chaperone, which could be a family member or friend or another member of staff. 

If you have been raped or sexually assaulted, it is important to remember that it was not your fault. Don't be afraid to get help. 

There are specialist services that can help you if you have been sexually assaulted, raped or abused. You don't have to report it to the police if you don't want to. 

You may need time to think about what happened to you, but you should seek medical help for any injuries or the risk of STIs or pregnancy. 

If you want the crime to be investigated, it is best to have a forensic medical examination as soon as possible. Try not to wash or change your clothes, as this may destroy forensic evidence. You can still go to the police even if you have wash though. 

Sexual Assult Referral Centres (known as SARCs) offer confidential medical, practical and emotional support for anyone of any age or gender who has been raped, sexually assaulted or abused.

They have specially trained doctors, nurses and support workers to care for you. They can provide immediate medical care, forensic examinations, counselling, testing for STIs, emergency contraception and onward referrals.

They can offer counselling and support for recent and past incidents.

Their services are available whether or not you wish to have police involvement and will support whatever decision you make. If you do decide to report the assault to the police, the centre can arrange for you to speak to a specially trained police officer who will explain the next steps and they have specially trained advisors who can support you through the criminal justice system. 

Find your nearest Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC)

Rape Crisis is a feminist charting working to end sexual violence and abuse against women and girls. 

They are a membership organisation with 38 member centres across England and Wales that work to deliver specialist services to those affected by sexual violence and abuse. They aim to educate, influence and make change.

Over half their centres also offer specific support and services to men and boys who have experienced sexual violence or abuse at some point in their lives. 

Find a Rape Crisis centre

You can contact their 24/7 Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line and speak to one of their specialists at any time of the day or night. 

Telephone: 0808 500 2222

Live Chat

Victim Support is an independent charity dedicated to support victims of crime and traumatic events in England and Wales, including sexual assault and rape. 

They offer free and confidential support and services 24/7 whether the assault was recent or happened weeks, months or years. 

You can get in touch with them the following ways: 

• contact your local Victim Support team
• call their free Supportline on 08081 689 111
• use their free 24/7 Live Chat
• request support via their online form

You can also sign up to My Support Space, an online resource with interactive guides to help you manage the impact crime has had on you.