What to do if…
you feel pressured into sexual contact during a healthcare or support appointment and feel unsafe

What to do now

1. End the interaction and create space. Say “Stop”, “I don’t consent”, “I want to leave”, or “I need someone else here now.” Move toward the door, reception, a waiting area, or another public part of the service.
2. Bring another person in immediately. Ask any staff member: “I need a chaperone or another staff member with me now,” or “Please get the manager or nurse in charge.” In NHS care, chaperones are a recognised safeguard for intimate examinations, and local services should have chaperone policies.
3. Do not continue alone if you still need care today. Say: “I want a different clinician,” “I will continue only with a chaperone present,” or “Please rebook me with someone else.” If no suitable chaperone or different clinician is available, ask whether the appointment can safely be delayed.
4. Make a brief private note while it is fresh. Write the date, time, service, room or location, name or description of the person, what was said or done, who else was present, and how you left. This is for you; it does not have to be perfect.
5. Tell the service in the safest brief way you can.
   • For a GP, community service, support service, or private clinic, ask for the practice manager, clinic manager, safeguarding lead, or manager on duty.
   • For an NHS hospital or trust service, ask for the nurse in charge, ward manager, department manager, or PALS.
   • You can say: “I felt unsafe with that person. I do not want to be alone with them. I need the written complaints or safety concern route.”
6. Get specialist support even if you are unsure what to call it.
   • In England and Wales, Rape Crisis England & Wales has a 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line.
   • In Scotland, Rape Crisis Scotland offers helpline support every day from 5pm to midnight.
   • In Northern Ireland, the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline provides 24/7 support.
7. Ask a Sexual Assault Referral Centre about medical and practical options if sexual contact happened or may have happened. A SARC can offer support without you having to decide about police reporting first. You can ask what your options are before agreeing to any examination.
8. Use emergency help if you are still in danger. If you are in immediate danger or cannot get away safely, call 999. If you are safe but want police advice or to report, you can contact 101.

If you may want to report later, try not to delete messages, emails, appointment letters, or anything else you think you might want to keep. Only do what feels safe and manageable.