What to do if…
a professional appointment feels sexualised or unsafe and you want to leave

What to do now

1. Use a simple exit line. Say: “I’m not comfortable. I’m ending this appointment now.” Move towards the door.
2. Get to a safer pause. Go to reception, a waiting area, another staffed area, or outside the building. If you feel in immediate danger, call 999.
3. Involve another staff member. At reception or by phone, say: “I felt unsafe in that appointment. I need to speak to the senior person on duty, the practice manager, the clinic manager, or the complaints lead.”
4. Do not continue alone with the same person today. If you still need care today, ask for a different clinician or professional. If an examination is needed, ask what is clinically necessary before anything happens.
5. Ask for a chaperone if any examination continues. You can say: “I will only continue with a different clinician, and I want a chaperone present.” If no suitable chaperone is available, ask whether the appointment can pause or be rearranged unless it is urgent.
6. Make a short factual note while it is fresh. Write the date, time, location, the person’s name or role if known, who else was nearby, and the specific words or actions that made the appointment feel sexualised or unsafe.
7. Use the organisation’s complaint or concern route when you can cope. For NHS care, ask for PALS or the complaints team. For a private clinic, practice, therapist, or other professional service, ask for the manager and the formal complaints route.
8. Choose any outside reporting route later, not under pressure. For doctors, physician associates, and anaesthesia associates, the regulator is the GMC. For other health or care professionals, use the Professional Standards Authority regulator list to find the right regulator. If you believe a crime happened, or you feel at risk, you can contact police on 999 in an emergency or 101 if it is not an emergency.
9. Keep possible records if it is safe to do so. Do not delete appointment texts, emails, letters, portal messages, or call logs. If there was sexual assault and you may want forensic options later, a Sexual Assault Referral Centre can advise you without forcing you to report to police.