What happens at a referral centre

A referral centre is not a police station, and going to one does not commit you to reporting anything. It exists to give you medical care, and, if you want it, to keep forensic evidence safe in case you decide to report later, even much later.

You do not need to report to police first

A referral centre can see you whether or not you have gone to the police, and whether or not you ever plan to. Some centres work alongside the police; none of them require it as a condition of care.

What usually happens when you arrive

• Someone will talk with you first, privately, about what you want out of the visit before anything else happens.
• You can ask for a particular gender of examiner or counsellor where the centre is able to arrange it.
• You can have someone you trust with you for some or all of it, if you want that.
• Nothing is filed with the police unless you decide to take that step, and most centres will explain exactly what that would involve before you choose.

The medical exam, and your choices during it

You can decline any part of the exam, ask questions at any point, and stop altogether if you change your mind. It covers your immediate health, and, if it is relevant and you agree, collecting evidence. You are not required to agree to every part to receive care for the rest.

Evidence can wait for you

Many centres can store forensic evidence for a period even if you are not ready to report. That means the decision to report does not have to be made the same day, or the same month, as the visit.

Cost

Several of the centres on the support services page provide care free of charge to survivors. Ask when you call, and if cost is the reason you are hesitating, say so, most centres will tell you plainly what, if anything, applies.

If you decide afterwards that you want a lawyer, whether to pursue a case or just to understand your options, the directory can help you find one who takes cases like yours.