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What To Expect When You Self-Refer To A Forensic Medical Exam (FME)

In this blog post we will walk through the process of getting a Forensic Medical Exam (FME). For many survivors of sexual violence, getting this exam can be a huge barrier to reporting. We hope that by giving you as much information of how the exam is carried out, what your rights are, and what options there are for support, we will make this process feel more accessible. 

[Read time: 1-2 mins]

How to self refer:

• You can book an FME with the NHS Sexual Assault Response Coordination Service (SARCS) by calling their dedicated number, free from landlines and mobiles. Call: 0800 148 88 88 (available 24/7).
• The advisor will check you are safe and get some information for the appointment.
• They will not ask you for details about the assault.
• You will speak with a trained healthcare professional and be referred to your local SARCS.

Before you go:

The advisor will let you know...

• What to bring with you.
• What is best to do and not to do to preserve evidence.
• That you can bring someone with you for support.

When you arrive:

• A specially trained nurse will be there to support you throughout your appointment.
• You will be offered a full explanation of the examination and what will happen afterwards.
• You can ask questions or talk through any worries that you have about the examination.
• It’s important you feel as comfortable as possible.

During the exam:

• It is important to remember that you are in control during an FME.
• You can choose to pause or stop the exam at any time, and ask any questions that come up.
• If some parts of the exam feel too difficult, you can choose not to have them, and still complete other parts of the FME.

What happens next:

• Any forensic evidence taken will be stored securely in the SARCS for 26 months from the day of your exam.
• The evidence will not be reviewed or analysed unless you decide to report to the police.
• If you want to find out more about reporting when you feel ready, one of our advocacy workers can talk you through your options.

If you decide to report:

• You can let the police know about the FME when you report.
• The police will request that the SARCS release the evidence to them for analysis.
• If the police believe they have enough evidence to prove a crime has been committed, they will submit a report to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS).
• The COPFS will decide if there is enough evidence to prosecute the perpetrator.

If you decide not to report:

• If you decide not to report or don’t report within 26 months, all evidence will be safely destroyed.
• You can request to have any property that belongs to you returned before the end of the 26 months.
• Remember that you always have the right to report to the police, even after the evidence has been destroyed.

No matter what you decide, we’re here for you. You can contact us here call us on 01563 544686, or email admin@starcentreayrshire.org

The Rape Crisis Scotland helpline is also open 5pm - midnight, tonight and every night. Call: 08088 01 03 02. Webchat: www.rapecrisisscotland.org.uk. Email: support@rapecrisisscotland.org.uk. Text: 07537 410 027 [our text number will show on your bill].