What are the guidelines for referring a patient to specialist services following a sexual assault?

Following a sexual assault, patients should be referred promptly to specialist services including Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) for medical and legal investigations, as well as sexual health services for assessment and management of urgent health needs. Immediate referral to children's social care and/or the police is required if a child or young person is thought to be in immediate danger; otherwise, discussion with children's social care about the need for referral is advised. Intimate examination and urgent referral to collect forensic evidence should be prioritised when there is an urgent health need, but detailed questioning should be limited to essential information to determine referral necessity and address immediate health concerns. Consent should be sought before sharing confidential information unless there is a risk of increased harm. Referral pathways and protocols vary locally, so clinicians must be familiar with their local safeguarding children boards and authority procedures. Ongoing support and follow-up should be provided, ensuring the patient is seen alone at future appointments and monitoring for indicators of further abuse. Mental health services, including assessment for post-traumatic stress disorder, should be considered as part of comprehensive care. Documentation of all information and referrals should be clear and accurate to support the patient effectively.