At Treetops SARC, our specially trained team is here to support you - whether the assault happened recently or some time ago. You will always be listened to, believed, and treated with dignity and respect.
Our role is to support your health, your choices, and your recovery. We offer:
• Medical care and support
We can carry out health checks, assess for any injuries, and offer emergency contraception or support with STI testing
• Forensic evidence collection
If you choose to have a forensic medical examination, we can preserve evidence that may help in a police investigation - whether you choose to report now, later, or not at all. The decision is always yours.
• Emotional support and advocacy
Our crisis workers are here to guide you through every step. They are usually the first person you speak to at Treetops SARC, and they will stay with you throughout your time with us.
• Onward referrals to specialist counselling and support services
Your Voice, Your Choice!
We know that experiencing sexual violence can feel overwhelming and isolating. That is why our team is trained to respond with compassion, care, and without judgment. We understand that this may be one of the hardest times of your life, and we are here to support you in whatever way feels right for you.
Our crisis workers can:
• Talk through your options.
• Explain what to expect at each stage.
• Connect you with counselling or other support based on your needs, location, age, or gender identity.
• Act as your advocate - always working in your best interest.
• Help arrange any follow-up care or services.
• Contact other services that are important to you and your support needs.
You don’t have to involve the Police
Our service is completely independent from the police. You do not have to report to the police to receive care and support from us. Everything you tell us is confidential unless we are concerned about your immediate safety or the safety of other people in your care.
We are here when you need us
Our support line is available 365 days a year. You can call us anytime for information, advice, or simply someone to talk to following an experience of sexual assault or rape.
You are not alone. We are here to help - at your pace, in your own time.
What is forensic medical examination?
If you choose to have a forensic medical examination, this will be carried out by a specially trained doctor or nurse, known as a Sexual Offence Examiner (SOE). They will gently examine your body to look for any physical evidence to identify the person responsible for your assault - this can include collecting DNA from you. Nothing during the examination should cause you any pain.
The examination takes place in a private medical room, and a crisis worker will be with you throughout to explain what is happening and offer emotional support.
We understand that you may feel anxious or unsure, and that is completely normal. Our team is here to help you feel as safe and comfortable as possible at every step.
The SOE will explain each part of the process before doing anything. Nothing will happen without your consent. You can choose which parts of the exam you are comfortable with and can stop or change your mind at any time - your consent is always in your control.
This type of examination is different from a regular doctor’s visit. It may involve taking gentle swabs from your skin or other parts of your body and sometimes documenting and taking photographs of any injuries.
You can also ask questions at any time. The SOE can provide advice on emergency contraception, pregnancy risk, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and any other concerns. We can also offer a pregnancy test and emergency contraception if needed.
You are in control - always.
Emergency Contraception
If there is a chance of pregnancy following a sexual assault, we can talk with you about emergency contraception and what options are available.
This might be important if contraception was not used or if it is unclear. When you visit Treetop SARC, a doctor or nurse can discuss your needs and provide emergency contraception while you are here, if you choose.
You can also access emergency contraception through your GP or local pharmacy if that feels more comfortable for you.
It is important to know that emergency contraception works best the sooner it is taken - there is only a short window of time for it to be most effective. We will talk through your options and support you to make the choice that is right for you.
If needed, we can also support you to contact the pregnancy advisory services for further support and information.
To find your nearest local NHS pharmacy click here to use the search function on the NHS.uk webpage
You can also visit our Sexual Health page about contraception
Sexually transmitted infections
After a sexual assault or rape, there may be a risk of sexually transmitted infections also known sometimes as STIs. These can affect people of any gender or age, and they often do not cause any symptoms - so it is important to check in on your sexual health, even if you feel physically well.
When you visit Treetops SARC, we will talk with you - gently and respectfully - about your individual risk. Our medical team can assess whether you may benefit from specific medications, such as:
• Connecting you to sexual health services in your local or chosen area for STI testing such as Chlamydia, Syphilis, HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and Gonorrhoea.
• Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) – a medication that may help prevent HIV if taken soon after exposure.
• Hepatitis B vaccination – to help protect you against the Hepatitis B virus.
These options will be discussed with you in a calm, straightforward way, and nothing will happen without your consent. Remember, you are always in control.
You will also be offered a follow-up appointment at your local sexual health clinic where trained sexual health nurses can support your ongoing sexual health care. If you would prefer not to attend in person, we can give you a self-swab kit to take home, so you can carry out STI testing in your own time and space if that feels more comfortable for you.
If you start any treatment, medications, or vaccinations with us, we will make sure you leave with a clear follow-up plan for continued care through your local sexual health clinic.