Forensic Medical Examination
If you have experienced unwanted sexual contact, a forensic examination is an opportunity for a specialist doctor to gather forensic evidence to be used in a Police investigation. This can include an examination of your body to document any injuries that may be present (although it's important to note that it is more common to not have any injuries), and collecting samples. This can include swabs for semen and saliva, blood and urine tests, clothing and hair samples. This can happen up to 7 days after an assault, but some types of contact have different timeframes.
Note: No medical examination of any sort will be done without your full consent.
In Christchurch, this service is provided by the Cambridge Clinic, located on Bealey Avenue.
If you are unsure whether you want to involve the Police, you can still have a forensic examination and the Cambridge Clinic will store any evidence until you have decided what you want to do - you are in control every step of the way.
If you don't want a forensic examination, or are out of the timeframe for a forensic examination, and would still like to talk to a specialist sexual harm medical team, the Cambridge Clinic offer free wellbeing appointments for anyone who has experienced sexual harm any time in their life.
In order to get as much evidence as possible, it is recommended that:
- You avoid showering, bathing, or washing clothes.
- If you need to urinate or poo press your underwear to your vagina, penis, or anus before going to the toilet and avoid wiping afterwards.
- Bring along clothing, underwear and used sanitary products that were present when the harm occurred.
- If possible, collect a sample of urine you pass – any container will do - and note the date and time. Put it in the fridge or freezer. This is important if you believe you were unknowingly given drugs before or during the sexual assault.
Even if you haven’t done some or all of this, there may still be some forensic evidence and it’s still worth being seen for an assessment.
In order to get as much evidence as possible, it is recommended that:
- You avoid showering, bathing, or washing clothes.
- If you need to urinate or poo press your underwear to your vagina, penis, or anus before going to the toilet and avoid wiping afterwards.
- Bring along clothing, underwear and used sanitary products that were present when the harm occurred.
- If possible, collect a sample of urine you pass – any container will do - and note the date and time. Put it in the fridge or freezer. This is important if you believe you were unknowingly given drugs before or during the sexual assault.
Even if you haven’t done some or all of this, there may still be some forensic evidence and it’s still worth being seen for an assessment.
Therapeutic Examination
The Cambridge Clinic provide a specialist therapeutic examination service for those have experienced harmful sexual behaviour, this can include:
- Arranging emergency contraception - If there is a possibility of pregnancy you may want to take the morning after pill (up to 72 hours after) or have a coil fitted (up to 5 days after)
- Medical assessment
- Screening and preventative treatment for sexually transmitted infections
- Referral to other support services (counselling, support groups, court support services, and ACC).
The Cambridge Clinic offer up to 2 hour appointments for this service, and are highly skilled in providing care for clients who have been affected by harmful sexual behaviour.
Other options include, UC Health Centre for enrolled patients, your own GP, or a nearest sexual health clinic.
Your Mental Health
You may be in shock after what has happened. Harmful sexual behaviour is a traumatic event, and something that can take time to process and heal from. It can also affect different people in all sorts of different ways. You are strongly encouraged to seek help from internal and/or external support services.
During a traumatic experience, stress hormones can overwhelm the body and brain, sharpening awareness while also making it harder to process information, emotions, and memories. In the time that follows, your mind may replay fragments of thoughts, feelings, or physical sensations as it tries to understand what happened. Because of this, it can feel difficult – or even impossible – to put the experience into words. How this feels can be shaped by your personal history, culture, language, and community. It is very common for survivors to experience:
- Anger
- Sadness
- Fear
- Numbness
- Hypervigilance
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Sleep difficulties (falling asleep and/or staying asleep)
- Shame and self-blame
- Loneliness and isolation.
However you are feeling, it is valid. These reactions are normal responses to an overwhelming and abnormal experience. What happened was not your fault.
Connecting with others and seeking support can be an important part of healing, especially when things feel isolating. Feeling heard, believed, and supported can help your nervous system over time. Finding ways to feel safe, steady, and connected – whether through people, places, or practices – can support your body and mind as you begin your healing journey.
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