Reporting without police (self referral)
You do not have to report what happened to you to the police. We are here to help you, and not to judge. It is entirely your decision. If you would like to receive support and advice but not to have a forensic examination or report what happened to the police, that is entirely your decision. We will support you whether you report it to the police or not.
We will offer you an appointment at Treetops SARC where we will discuss with you your options which may include making a sexual health appointment for you, referrals to a counselling service or the ISVA service.
We offer free and confidential support and advice. We understand that confidentiality is important to you and we will respect that at all times. All information about you will be held in complete confidence unless there are concerns regarding child protection or the abuse of a vulnerable adult. In such cases we have a legal responsibility to share some information with other agencies such as Social Services to help keep children and vulnerable adults safe.
If you are under 18 we have a legal duty to share your information with social services.
If at any point you then decide to report the assault to the police and the investigation results in a prosecution the police may request a copy of any records held at Treetops SARC and if an examination has taken place the Doctor or Nurse could be asked to write a statement for the police in support of the prosecution case.