Summary Points

Forensic Examinations including swabs for potential DNA or semen analysis should only take place in facilities that are forensically secure e.g. local sexual assault referral centre (SARC).

There is extensive detailed information within the appendices on Confidentiality and Information Sharing in the BASHH National guideline for the management of individuals disclosing sexual violence in sexual health services (2022)

It is not correct that all rape /abuse disclosed to healthcare providers MUST be reported to the Police.

When an individual is deemed to have capacity, information may be shared in the absence of consent only if there is concern for the safety or well-being of another, or in the public interest, or if it is required by law. This would include the rare occasion of the suspect being a potential serial offender. Please discuss such concerns with senior colleagues.

Information sharing options between police and health should be discussed to allow the patient to make a fully informed decision. In the absence of immediate child protection or adult support and protection concerns a patient in a sexual health setting may opt not to make any form of disclosure beyond health. The health care worker should usually respect a decision to decline information sharing when an adult with capacity (or a child with legal capacity) chooses this option.

We encourage efficient and effective information sharing and collaborative multi-agency working to support the decisions made by the patient.

Information shared for the benefit of the patient, ideally with their engagement, acknowledges the importance of a trusted relationship.

Where a patient defers or declines police involvement, but is willing to share some details with police anonymously, a health professional can report information in the absence of patient’s details. Such intelligence reporting will not lead to police contact or investigation. The intelligence may however, support existing or subsequent police intelligence that may determine a police response and during that subsequent investigation the patient may inadvertently become identifiable.

Domestic Violence and Abuse Disclosure schemes are available in all UK jurisdictions and let a person (over the age of 16 years) make enquiries to police where they are concerned that their partner or the partner of someone they know (such as a friend or relative) has a history of abusive behaviour.

Asylum status should not deter effective management. Identified or suspected victims of human trafficking should be afforded all the necessary medical, forensic and police interventions, as outlined in these sexual assault guidelines without incurring any delay.

Contact Archway for help and advice if seeking advice on disclosure of sexual violence abroad.