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Community and mental health services for Southampton, Portsmouth and parts of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

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FAQs

A sexual assault is any sexual act that a person did not consent to or is forced into against their will. It is a form of sexual violence and includes rape (an assault involving penetration of the vagina, anus, or mouth), or other sexual offences, such as groping, forced kissing, child sexual abuse or the torture of a person in a sexual manner.

It is not uncommon for a victim of sexual assault to have no physical injuries or signs of their assault. But sexual assault is a crime and can be reported to the police in the same way as other crimes.

Sexual assault is an act that is carried out without the victim’s active consent. This means they didn’t agree to it.

Yes, Treetops SARC is a confidential service. We need to share information with other agencies if we believe a child or vulnerable adult has been or is at risk of serious harm. It is up to you if you decide to tell anybody about what has happened. We may need to break confidentiality if we believe you or someone else is at risk of serious harm. We would keep you informed of this wherever possible.

No, you do not have to report the matter to the police. The SARC is still here to help you and will respect your decision.

If the assault took place within the last 7 days one of your options may be to have a forensic medical examination at Treetops SARC. If you decide to do this the swabs will be kept anonymously and securely at Treetops for up to two years. This enables you to have time to make a decision about whether or not to report to police. If you decide to then report the assault to the police with your consent, we will transfer your samples to the police as part of their investigation.

No. If you are referring yourself the police will not be told of your report. We work in partnership with Hampshire Constabulary for those people who do wish to make a report to the police.

Yes, we can help refer you to a counsellor or other relevant support services.

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)

Please visit our services page for specific services and contact details. Alternatively, contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service by emailing or calling the number below. You can also give us feedback, make a complaint or share a compliment.

pals@solent.nhs.uk

0800 013 2319

*Lines are open Monday to Friday 10am – 4pm.

The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act was passed on 30 November 2000. It gives a general right of access to all types of recorded information held by public authorities, with full access granted in January 2005.

The Act sets out exemptions to that right and places certain obligations on public authorities.

Email: InformationGovernanceTeam@solent.nhs.uk

Phone: 0300 123 3919

*Subject to any exemptions which apply, we are obliged to provide the information requested please note that requests for Personal Information is not covered under this Act and should be applied for through the Data Protection Act 1998.

Our administrative and managerial centre is based in Southampton.

While our services can be found around various NHS locations in Southampton and Portsmouth (and surrounding districts), our administrative and managerial centre is based in Southampton at:

Highpoint Venue
Bursledon Road
Southampton
SO19 8BR

If you require a printable version of how to find us including bus times, car access and bike info please download our leaflet. (Copyright of Highpoint Venue).

Central office phone: 0300 123 3390

*Lines open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

If you are a journalist with a media enquiry, please contact the Communications Team at:

communications@solent.nhs.uk

0300 123 4156 or 02381 031076

The Communications Office is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.