Self-referral to a SARCS
If you have been raped or sexually assaulted within the last 7 days and do not want to tell the police or are unsure about telling them now - you can self-refer to a SARCS. This means you don’t need a GP or other healthcare professional to refer you - you can do this yourself.

SARCS is a specialist service at the Gilbert Bain Hospital in Lerwick providing a Forensic Medical Examination (FME) without making a report to the police.

What is a Forensic Medical Examination (FME)? An FME is an examination performed by a specially trained healthcare professional to collect forensic evidence after a rape or sexual assault. You can usually access an FME for up to 7 days after the assault(s). After this window, it is unlikely (but not impossible) that evidence could be gathered.

How to self-refer for an FME: You can refer yourself to SARCS by calling their dedicated number, which is available 24/7 and free from landlines and mobile: 0800 148 88 88 (available 24/7).

A specially trained nurse will be with you throughout your appointment, and you can bring someone with you for support. As well as your FME, this service will also seek to meet any other immediate healthcare and wellbeing needs, such as providing emergency contraception, and referring you to support services like The Compass Centre.

What happens next?

Any forensic evidence collected will be stored securely by the SARCS for 26 months from the day of your FME. This evidence will not be reviewed or analysed unless you decide to report to the police. SARCS is a confidential NHS service, meaning that the police and other agencies will not know unless you decide to tell them. In certain circumstances, a healthcare professional might have to tell them if you or others are at risk of further harm, but they should speak with you about this and keep you informed.

If you decide not to report before the end of the 26 months, you can choose to have your evidence destroyed or for certain evidence (such as personal items or clothing) to be returned to you. After the 26 months, your evidence will have been safely destroyed, but you will still have the option of reporting to the police.

More information and support

More information on self-referral see the NHS leaflet here, and the easy read version here. For more information on what to do after a rape or sexual assault, see Rape Crisis Scotland’s leaflet.

Remember: No one should ever pressure you in to reporting to the police. Our advocacy workers can talk you through your options and what to expect if you’re thinking of reporting.

We’re here for you, no matter what.

Our helpline is open 9am-1.30pm Monday to Thursday. Call 01595 747174. Email contact@compasscentre.org