Sexual Health  

A Doctor or Nurse will consult with you to assess your risk of acquiring a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) following a sexual assault.

You will be asked about your medical health history and this will be recorded with your consent.

You will be asked to talk about the details of the assault; this is because the nature of the assault will impact upon the level of risk. You can help by informing the examiner;
  • If the attacker is known to you or if you have been or are in a relationship with that person?
  • If you know your attacker, do you know if they have any STIs?
  • Do you know the nationality of the attacker or their country of origin?
  • What type of sexual activity took place during the assault?
  • Do you have any injuries, especially in the genital area?
  • Do you have any existing infections?
  • Was any protection worn at the time (condom)?
  • Did the attacker ejaculate (if male)
You will not be tested for Sexually Transmitted Infections at the SARC.
The examiner will explain to you the risks of acquiring an STI based upon what information is disclosed.

You may be offered the option to start taking medicines known as (PEPSE), which could reduce your risk of acquiring HIV; depending upon the examiner’s assessment of your risk. If you agree to start this medicine the examiner will explain to you:
  • The effectiveness of the medicine
  • The risks of taking the medicine
  • The side effects of taking the medicine
  • How to take the medicine daily
  • How long you need to take the medicine for
  • That you need to attend a Genito Urinary Medicine Clinic (GUM) very soon after starting the medicine, for assessment of your well-being and also for a further supply of the medicine.

If you do not require PEPSE or decline the option to take the medicine, it may still be advised that you should attend a GUM Clinic depending on the assault for STI tests. This appointment is usually recommended about two weeks after the assault and can be arranged by the SARC or you may choose to arrange your own appointment. (See information on local service below)

Pregnancy

For females, sexual assault may lead to the risk of pregnancy depending on the nature of the assault and if you are using effective pre-existing contraception (Implant, Coil, Pill Injection, Contraceptive Pill). The examiner will ask about your current contraception usage and also about your menstrual cycle. If it is considered that there is a risk of conception, your options for Emergency Contraception will be
explained:
  • The most effective method of post coital contraception is an Intrauterine Device (IUD), if you choose this method an appointment can be arranged for you at the Local Contraception Clinic by the SARC staff.
  • If you decline the option of an IUD, you will be offered an Emergency Contraception Pill provided there are no medical reasons why you cannot take it.

All emergency contraception methods are more effective if taken/used as early as possible after the incident. Future contraception needs may also be considered, and advice can be provided.

Local GUM Services

Rotherham
Tel: 01709 307777 
Opening times
Lines open for advice:Appointments available
Monday8.30am - 7.00pm9.00am - 12.00pm 1.30pm - 6.15pm
Tuesday8.30am - 7.00pm9.00am - 12.00pm 1.30pm - 6.15pm
Wednesday8.30am - 5.00pm9.00am - 12.00pm 1.30pm - 4.15pm
Thursday8.30am - 7.00pm9.00am - 12.00pm 1.30pm - 6.15pm
Friday8.30am - 5.00pm9.00am - 12.00pm 1.30pm - 4.15pm
WALK-IN CLINIC
Monday9.00am - 5.20pm
Tuesday9.00am - 3.20pm
Wednesday9.00am - 5.20pm
Thursday9.00am - 3.20pm
Friday9.00am - 11.20am 1.50pm - 4.20pm
APPOINTMENT CLINIC
Monday9.00am - 5.35pm
Wednesday9.00am - 5.35pm
Thursday9.00am - 5.35pm
Friday9.00am - 11.20am 1.50pm - 4.30pm

Doncaster
Tel: 01302 553111/553112
Opening times
Tuesday9.00am - 3.40pm

Sheffield
Tel: 0114 2766928 or we offer a wait service on weekday
Monday8.15am - 1.00pm 2.30pm - 4.30pm
Tuesday8:15am – 12:30pm 1:30pm – 6:30pm
Wednesday8:00am – 11:30pm 12:30pm – 3:00pm
Thursday8:15am – 12:30pm 1:30pm – 4:30pm
Friday8:15am – 12:00pm 1:00pm – 3:30pm
Mornings between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Monday9.00am - 11.45am2.00pm - 3.30pm3.30pm - 5.30pm**
Tuesday9.00am - 11.45am2.00pm - 3.30pm4.30pm - 6.15pm
Wednesday9.00am - 2.00pm
Thursday9.00am - 1.00pm2.00pm - 3.30pm4.30pm - 6.15pm
Friday9.00am - 11.45am2.00pm - 3.30pm
Saturday9.00am - 11.45am
(Emergency only)
**Monday Youth Clinic Walk and Wait

Barnsley
Tel: 01226 432599
The health advisor's Tel: 01226 432210

Local Contraception Services

Rotherham
Contraception and Sexual Health Service 
Greasbrough Rd, Rotherham, 
South Yorkshire S60 1RY 
Tel: 01709 423129

Open
Monday to Thursday 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. 
Friday 9.a.m. – 5 p.m. 
Saturday 11 a.m. –1 p.m. 
Walk In and Wait Access Available or Ring for an appointment and location of local clinics

Doncaster
Contraception and Sexual Health Service
East Laith Gate House, East Laith Gate.
Doncaster DN1 1JE
Tel: 01302 640040 /44
​
Open
Monday - Thursday: 9.30am to 7.00pm
Friday - 9.30am to 4.30pm
Saturday - 10am to 3.30pm
Walk in Clinics available or ring for an appointment and location of local clinics

Sheffield
Contraception & Sexual Health Service 
Central Health Clinic, 
Mulberry Street, Sheffield, 
South Yorkshire S1 2PJ 
Tel: 0114 271 6816
OpenMonday to Friday 8.30am - 11.00am 
12:30pm – 3:00pm 
Ring up for Youth and Men only clinic times

Barnsley
Contraception & Sexual Health Service
Queens Road Clinic
Near the Barnsley Metrodome,
Barnsley S71 1AN
Tel: 01226 249949

OpenMonday 9am - 6.30pm
Tuesday 9am - 8pm
Wednesday 9am - 8pm
Thursday 9am - 9pm
Friday 9am - 4pm
Saturday 12pm - 2pm
Sunday Closed
Ring up for appointments and location of local clinics

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