Services Provided
Here at The Emerald Centre, it’s about YOU, and how we can help you cope with what has happened to you. The Emerald Centre specialises in providing a confidential, one-stop-shop approach for those who have experienced sexual violence or abuse. You do not have to tell the police if you don’t wish to.
Our centre offers a range of services to give you the best care and support possible.
We are located within an NHS building but entirely self contained and with separate discreet entrances. Within the centre you can access services to address any immediate health needs, gather and store evidence should you request this, and coordinate the referral to longer term services that provide ongoing help, information and support.
Our centre offers a range of services to give you the best care and support possible.
We are located within an NHS building but entirely self contained and with separate discreet entrances. Within the centre you can access services to address any immediate health needs, gather and store evidence should you request this, and coordinate the referral to longer term services that provide ongoing help, information and support.
- Support from our crisis workers
- Forensic medical examination including taking of forensic samples, emergency contraception, STI advice and
pregnancy testing - Ongoing and longer term support
- Referrals into different agencies
- Dedicated ISVA (Independent Sexual Violence Advocate)
What should I expect from a Forensic Medical Examination?
The medical examination is always undertaken by a forensic medical examiner, a fully qualified medical doctor or nurse, who is trained to gather evidence for potential use in a court of law. The forensic element purely relates to the evidence that the doctor or nurse can gather from the examination of you, following a rape or sexual assault. The room you will be examined in is like a GP’s examination room. Should you wish, you can also be accompanied by a member of staff from the Emerald Centre who are all specifically trained to help you in these circumstances. They will explain what to expect whilst at the Emerald Centre and re-assure you of any concerns you may have. That person will stay with you throughout the duration of your time at the Emerald Centre, if you wish, and will ensure that you are feeling safe, listened to and in control throughout.
Here at The Emerald Centre, we will try to make you as relaxed as possible by explaining the process and by discussing the examination prior to you deciding whether or not to proceed. Obviously due to the nature of the work this is often an intimate medical examination, however the FME/SOE will do everything possible to make you feel comfortable and they will talk you through each step of the process. You are able to have a family member with you to support you if you wish during the examination, however in our experience it is preferable to have the specialist trained crisis worker present who will be able to talk to you and answer any questions you may have. Even if you give consent for the examination it can still be stopped at any time.
During the medical examination you will have access to emergency contraception if necessary as well as medication should you be at risk of HIV. We will also be able to arrange for you to have a full sexual health screen to relieve any fears you may have regarding possible other sexually transmitted infections. We have fast track arrangements with local GUM clinics who will be able to give you a dedicated appointment and provide you with a discreet and sensitive service without any additional fuss or having to sit in waiting rooms etc.
Forensic samples
If the sexual assault occurred within the last 7 days, you may be offered a forensic medical examination. The medical examination will only take place with your consent and the process will be fully explained to you by one of the staff members at the Emerald Centre – the crisis worker. The crisis worker will be able to stay with you for the entire process so you never have to face anything alone and will help answer any questions you may have.
During the examination your privacy and dignity will be protected. The aim of the examination is to collect DNA evidence to assist a police investigation should you decide to go forward and report to the police. We are able to take non-police referrals and any medical evidence collected can be stored securely and separately until a later date. Some people may want to make a complaint to the police and some will not want to talk to the police at all. This will be your choice and either choice is respected.
The purpose of the examination is to both look after your health needs following an assault, and , if you want it, to collect forensic samples that could assist in the detection of the crime. These samples can be passed to the Police, or if you are not reporting, stored by us in case you wish to report the assault in future. All examinations are carried out by a doctor trained and experienced in this field.
What to expect following your visit to the Emerald Centre
A member of staff will contact you within a week of your visit to the Emerald Centre. They will explain their role within the centre and discuss after care options available to you. Dealing with the emotional effects from a rape or sexual assault can be very difficult. You may feel you would like help with this. The crisis worker or nurse will discuss this with you and offer follow up contacts and sessions with appropriate professionals. If you consent to this our ISVA will contact you to see how you are and to discuss your ongoing needs. This can include providing emotional support, referral for counselling or other services. Information about your options and helping you to decide what you want to do.
We have the experience and knowledge to guide you through your next steps, assist your recovery and help you decide what you want to do.
We have the experience and knowledge to guide you through your next steps, assist your recovery and help you decide what you want to do.