We use cookies to collect anonymous data to help us improve your site browsing experience.

Click 'Accept all cookies' to agree to all cookies that collect anonymous data. To only allow the cookies that make the site work, click 'Use essential cookies only.' Visit 'Set cookie preferences' to control specific cookies.

Set cookie preferences

Your cookie preferences have been saved. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

Publication - Factsheet

Chief Medical Officer’s Rape and Sexual Assault Taskforce - package of resources: further information

Last updated
1 February 2023 - see all updates
Directorate
Chief Medical Officer Directorate
Topic
Health and social care

Resources to ensure that NHS staff involved in the provision of healthcare and forensic medical services for victims of rape, sexual assault or child sexual abuse are clear about the national processes to be followed.

CMO taskforce package of resources

A package of resources has been developed in close collaboration with a wide range of multi-agency partners on the Taskforce Clinical Pathways Subgroup and Children and Young People Expert Group to ensure that NHS staff involved in the provision of healthcare and forensic medical services for victims of rape, sexual assault or child sexual abuse are clear about the national processes to be followed.

It includes Scotland’s first national clinical pathway for adults - as well as for children and young people, which describe the care and treatment that someone should receive, including the steps that should be followed by the clinician undertaking the examination and the necessary ongoing and follow up care. The pathways were first published in November 2020 and updated in April 2022. 

Consultations on the clinical pathways

Consultations and analysis reports which informed the development of the clinical pathways which were produced in November 2020 for adults and children and young people

Sexual Assault Response Coordination Service (SARCS) leaflet

A leaflet, "Turn to SARCS" explains the options available to someone following a rape or sexual assault (police report or self-referral to a Sexual Assault Response Coordination Service (SARCS). The leaflet summarises how to self-refer to a SARCS and what people can expect during and following a Forensic Medical Examination (FME). A FME is normally carried out within seven days of the assault and may gather evidence which can help to confirm the identity of the person who carried out the assault. It has been drafted from a person-centred, trauma-informed perspective and makes it clear that the individual is in control of the process. 

The "Turn to SARCS" leaflet is available in other formats:

Included in this list of supporting documents are:

  • for ease of printing: a large print version of the leaflet
  • translations of the leaflet in Arabic, Gaelic, Polish, Punjabi, Simplified Chinese and Urdu

You can request a Braille version of the leaflet about SARCS and the sexual assault self-referral phone service by emailing RNIBScotland.Mailbox@rnib.org.uk.

NHS Inform provide information on how to access self-referral services through a new national 24/7/365 telephony service hosted by NHS 24. Information on the service is also available on the NHS website.

Short videos about SARCS are also available:

Relevant publications

Contact

Email: CMOTaskforce.Secretariat@gov.scot

First published
1 April 2022
Last updated
1 February 2023 - show all updates

  1. Updated link to guidance for healthcare professionals.

  2. Added link to audio SARCS leaflet.

  3. Amended broken link.

  4. Added link to large print version of SARCS leaflet.

  5. Update text.

Back to top