Health professionals providing care for a patient following a sexual assault

The Sexual Assault Resource Centre (SARC) provides crisis services, support and information to people who have experienced a recent sexual assault in the last two weeks and counselling for sexual assault / abuse experienced recently or in the past.

Who can be referred to SARC

Perth metro area

  • Patients can be referred though hospitals, GPs, police and other health or social services. Patients are also able to self-refer.
  • SARC see people of all genders aged 13 years and over for medical and/or forensic assessment.
  • The SARC medical forensic team will see patients up to 2 weeks after a sexual assault.
  • SARC can see people whether or not they intend reporting to police.
  • SARC doctors may refer a patient to ED if SARC suspects a serious injury, acute psychiatric illness or intoxication which cannot be safely managed at SARC.
  • SARC can see people who don't hold a Medicare card and can also see people no matter their visa status.
  • Crisis services for people under 13 years are provided by the Child Protection Unit (external site) at Perth Children's Hospital. They can be contacted by calling (08) 6456 0089.

 

Regional and remote – WACHS

  • SARC doctors are on-call 24 hours a day for state-wide telephone advice to health professionals who are seeing patients alleging a recent sexual assault. This service is available to staff in all regional rural and remote areas. Health professionals are encouraged to contact SARC when seeing patients reporting recent sexual assault.
  • SARC doctors provide specific specialist advice to health professionals who have been asked to perform forensic specimen collection by the police.

How to refer a patient to SARC

The SARC Duty Doctor can be directly contacted at SARC (08) 6458 1828 in hours or via KEMH switchboard (08) 6458 2222 out of hours.

The patient will be required to speak directly to a SARC counsellor for triage purposes. SARC is a voluntary service and the patient must understand and consent to being seen by SARC workers. The outcome of the triage will be communicated back to the referring doctor.

Serious injury

If a patient has serious injuries, they should be triaged and treated medically as per the protocol of your department/organisation. Medical concerns take priority over forensic issues.

  • Assess and treat intoxication, poisoning, injuries and psychiatric emergencies as you would any other patient. Assess injuries specific to penetration, such as vaginal or anal pain or bleeding and abdominal pain.
  • Ask about non-fatal strangulation (PDF) and assess for complications.
  • If serious injuries are suspected, consider the need for surgical or gynaecological referral.
  • Unless it's an emergency or the patient declines a forensic examination, discuss any internal examination with the SARC doctor before proceeding as this can impact forensic evidence collection. Always include the SARC doctor when planning surgical or gynaecological referrals so appropriate forensic examinations can be arranged.

 

Medical and safety considerations following a sexual assault

Consider:

  • Emergency contraception: Ulipristal (EllaOne) can be taken up to 120 hours and levonorgestrel (LNG) can be taken up to 96 hours after unprotected sex. Ulipristal is more effective. Both are available over the counter. A Arrange a pregnancy test three weeks post assault if relevant.
  • STI and blood-borne virus investigations and prophylaxis. Discuss with the SARC duty doctor first, especially if the patient is considering a forensic examination.
  • Advise patient to have a repeat sexual health screen at 2 to 4 weeks and repeat a blood borne virus serology and syphilis screen at 3 months, if relevant. Promote safe sex practises.
  • Complete a mandatory report if required.
  • Assess ongoing risk. Ensure the patient has a safe place to return to and psychological support has been organised as needed.
  • Provide the patient with the patient information leaflet from the First Response Pack and ensure the patient is aware how to contact SARC.

Counselling Services at SARC

SARC offers two types of counselling services:

  • Crisis telephone counselling for people in emotional crisis from an unwanted sexual experience (recently or in the past).
    The service can be accessed by calling (08) 6458 1828 or 1800 199 888 (freecall from landlines) between 8:30am and 11pm, any day of the week. Clients do not need to provide their full name if they do not wish to.
  • Face-to-face counselling for any sexual assault / abuse experienced recently or in the past.
    Patients can call to request an appointment on (08) 6458 1828 between 8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday. Please note SARC is currently experiencing long wait times for face-to-face counselling services.

More information about SARC counselling services.

SARC does not provide services to perpetrators of sexual abuse or sexual assault.

Information and resources

Open resources page.

Last Updated: 21/03/2025