What to expect at the SARC for teenagers

You will be shown to our waiting room and greeted by our nurse and doctor (who is a children’s doctor or paediatrician). All of the doctors and nurses who work in our children’s SARC are women.

The doctor will talk to the police about what has happened to you whilst you are looked after by our nurse. This means you will not have to repeat this all over again to us.

Seeing the doctor

The doctor will then have a chat with you about what happens in an examination. You may want your parent or carer to be with you, or you may prefer to speak with the doctor on your own.

We will make sure we have you, and your parent or carer’s permission to ask questions, examine you, take tests and treat you. We will ask for your consent.

The doctor will want to ask all about your health and you will be able to ask questions too.

The medical examination

The doctor will then examine you. Your parent or carer can be present if that is what you want.

We will all need to wear a special gown. The room we use is a very plain doctor’s room.

Each stage of the medical will be explained to you beforehand so you understand what is happening. The doctor will want to check your body to make sure you are healthy and to look for injuries. This is often a full body check but we will be led by you and what you feel comfortable with.

We may ask to (with your consent):

• look at your private area, inside your underwear, to check for any injuries.
• take some samples, such as a urine test,  swabs (like a cotton bud) or a blood test to help the police with their investigation. These are called forensic samples
• take photographs of injuries
• video the examination of your private area. If we do this then we store the recording securely, protected with a password and without your name, date of birth or face on it.

We may recommend some additional tests, including:

• urine tests for pregnancy and infections
• tests to look for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

How long will it take?

The average time someone will spend here is around 2 to 4 hours.

What happens next?

You can have a shower if you would like to, change your clothes and have a snack if you wish.

The police will inform you of their next steps. While here visiting our unit you may be asked by the police to have a video interview.

We will give you reassurance and advice about whether any further care is needed.

We can offer a range of services that will support you after your visit to us. This can include:

• emergency contraception
• treatment of injuries
• prevention and treatment of infections such as STIs and HIV.
• referral to early help or social care for support if needed
• referral to a children’s independent sexual violence advisor (CHISVA) who can help you access services such as counselling and support you before any court case
• psychological support

We may let your school nurse, social worker or GP know about your visit here.

We respect your confidentiality and keep all our records secure.

Will you be able to tell me the results from my tests?

We will be able to tell you about any injuries, STI results and pregnancy tests. Unfortunately doctors do not have access to the forensic results as these are tested by the police. The police and CHISVA can keep you informed about these.

Follow-up care

We sometimes offer a 2 week follow up appointment. This might be because you need a further check-up or STI screening. If you do not live in Sheffield, we can refer you to sexual health services in your local area. We can also refer you to or give advice about other support services in your local area. Our crisis worker may contact you in a week or two to check how you are.

Every effort is made to make sure your visit is as comfortable as possible.