Sexually Transmitted Infections after Rape or Sexual Assault

If you have been raped or sexually assaulted, there is a chance you might be at risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection (STIs).

We don’t check adults for sexually transmitted infections at SAFE Place, but we can give you information and advice about what to do.  

We can talk to you about how, where and when to get tested for STIs. If you were to get an STI and didn’t know about it, it could impact on your health. This is why it is important to get checked and to get the right treatment. 

If you come for a forensic medical examination, we will talk through everything you need to know. You can also call our 24-hour helpline on 0151 295 3550 if you are worried and not sure what to do.  If you don’t want to come to SARC, you could visit your local sexual health clinic.  

For some STIs we can start a special treatment called Post Exposure Prophylaxis. This is medicine that can be taken soon after someone has been at risk of catching either HIV or hepatitis B.  

Not everyone who is raped or sexually assaulted is at risk of catching these viruses. Your doctor will ask you some questions to work out if you need this treatment.  

HIV is a virus that affects the immune system.  HIV post exposure prophylaxis is a course of tablets that you will need to take for 4 weeks. It is important to start these tablets within 72 hours (3 days) of the rape or sexual assault.  We can start these tablets at SARC and we will refer you to your local sexual health clinic for ongoing support. 

Hepatitis B is a virus that affects the liver.  Hepatitis B post exposure prophylaxis is a course of vaccinations (injections).  You will need four vaccines altogether.  It is important to have the first vaccine within 7 days of the rape or sexual assault.  There will be another vaccine a week and three weeks later. If you have a vaccine in 1 years’ time, it will give you lifelong immunity to hepatitis B. We can give you the first vaccine at SARC and then we can refer you to your GP or local sexual health clinic for the rest.  The vaccine will be given in the top of your arm.  It is a safe vaccine.   

If you don’t want to come to SARC it is important that you contact your local sexual health clinic to discuss post exposure prophylaxis.