Author: Tom Bannister / Codes: SLO1, SLO4, SLO7, SeP3, SeP4, SeC2, SeC3, XC3 / Published: 06/07/2026
Scope / Reason for development
To assist Emergency Medicine practitioners to care for adult patients who have suffered rape and sexual assault.
Summary of Recommendations
- Where possible and practical, victims of sexual assault and rape should be assessed in a Sexual Assault Referral Centre
- Any forensic examination should only be performed by a clinician with suitable specialist training in an appropriate environment.
- Person identifiable information about sexual assaults and rapes should not normally be shared without consent, except in exceptional circumstances.
- Emergency contraception should be available to victims attending the emergency department.
- There is no requirement for emergency physicians to take pre-transfusion blood samples for the police.
- Post exposure prophylaxis for sexually transmitted infections should be available to victims attending the emergency department.
Linked RCEMLearning content
Sexual Assault Aftercare in the Emergency Department – Learning Session
Sexual Assault Aftercare in the Emergency Department – Reference
Emergency Contraception – Blog
Vaginal Bleeding in the Non-Pregnant Patient – Learning Session
Vaginal Bleeding in the Non-Pregnant Patient – Reference
Sexual assault in the ED – Clinical Case