Immediate Aftermath and Medical Options

Medical Examination and Forensic Evidence Collection

Forensic and Medical Sexual Assault Care (FAMSAC)

FAMSAC is a specialised service for victim-survivors of sexual violence at Canberra Hospital. It is staffed by trained doctors and nurses who can provide medical assistance to victim-survivors within 5 days of an assault. FAMSAC can also collect forensic evidence from a victim-survivor which can be used as evidence if police investigate the matter.

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FAMSAC is available to victim-survivors aged over 15 years and operates 24/7. It is recommended that victim-survivors be examined as soon as possible after an assault. This is to ensure their immediate health and safety and to allow the best chance for forensic evidence to be collected.

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You do not have to make a police report to access FAMSAC. If you are over 18, staff will not contact anyone without your consent, including police. FAMSAC can collect forensic evidence with your permission on a ‘just-in-case’ basis (called a JIC Examination), meaning that any evidence collected will be saved for 3 months in case a victim-survivor decides to make a report later. FAMSAC records are kept separate to other Canberra Hospital records, meaning that non-FAMSAC staff will not be able to access your information.

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FAMSAC can provide the following services where appropriate:

• Emergency contraception to prevent unwanted pregnancy

• Screening and provision of antibiotics for STIs such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea and blood borne viruses like hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV

• Collecting urine samples in case of drug-facilitated incidents (for example, if your drink was spiked before the assault)

• Documentation and photography of any injuries you may have

• Collection of forensic evidence from your body and clothes via swab

• Referral to sexual assault counselling services.

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A support person may accompany you to the hospital but cannot enter the room where the samples are collected (to prevent contamination of evidence). When you arrive at the hospital, attend the emergency department so that staff can determine whether you need urgent medical assistance. You will be asked for your name and other contact details. The medical staff will explain the process of looking after your medical needs, such as testing and treatment for STIs, providing you with emergency contraception and managing any injuries. The medical staff will explain the types of evidence that may be collected. The examination may take up to two hours. The examining nurse can also organise follow up with FAMSAC, your GP or another service. You can stop the examination, take a break or ask questions at any time throughout this process.

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How to contact FAMSAC:​

• Directly: (02) 5124 2185 (24/7)

• Canberra Hospital switchboard: (02) 5124 0000 (24/7)

• CRCC: (02) 6247 2525 (7am-11pm, 7 days a week)

• ACT Police: 131 444 (for police assistance) or Triple 000 (in an emergency)

• Visit Canberra Hospital Emergency, which can then refer you to FAMSAC. Open 24/7.

 

FAMSAC services are free of charge and the facilities are wheelchair accessible. If possible, it is recommended that you, the police or CRCC contact FAMSAC before attending. This will ensure that there are staff present, the examination room is cleaned and ready for use and that you will spend less time waiting in the emergency department.

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Child At Risk Health Unit (CARHU)

CARHU provides medical examinations for children aged 0 to 14 in the ACT and NSW who may have experienced child abuse and neglect, including sexual violence. CARHU is based at Canberra Hospital. Referrals for a medical assessment can only come from statutory authorities, like the police and child protection services, or medical staff from Canberra Hospital and North Canberra Hospital.

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CARHU also has a team of allied health professionals (social workers and psychologists) available to assist those with concerns about child abuse to navigate the health system and address concerns about a child's safety and wellbeing. These allied health staff also offer counselling for children and young people who are victim-survivors of child abuse, as well as their parents, carers and families.

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How to contact CARHU:

• CARHU Duty Worker: (02) 5124 2712 (9am-5pm, Mon to Fri)

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Medical examinations at CARHU are child focused, family centred and are conducted by specialist children’s doctors. The purpose of the medical examination is to tend to any injury a child or young person may have and to record or document any evidence of harm. Written and verbal consent may be required from a person with parental authority in order to conduct an examination and to ensure that the medical examination will not be conducted in the presence of an alleged perpetrator. Often a chaperone (such as a CARHU nurse or counsellor) will be present with the victim-survivor during a medical examination, as well as protective family members or other trusted people.

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CARHU staff must report all instances of child abuse and neglect, including sexual violence, to Child Protection Services. CARHU services are free for Medicare and Asylum Seeker cardholders and are bulk-billed where eligible. You do not need a Medicare card to access this service. Note: If you are a temporary visa holder, access to hospital services may require payment.

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