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The Survivors Trust and Brook are collaborating as part of the #CheckWithMeFirst project to help raise awareness of the challenges that young people who are survivors of sexual abuse, assault and trauma may face when accessing healthcare appointments and screening services.
The above statistics refer to girls/women and boys/men. This is because there’s a lack of data about trans and non-binary survivors of sexual violence, but everyone deserves help, support and understanding regardless of their sexuality or gender.
If you find healthcare appointments difficult, you are not alone. Many people get anxious about attending healthcare appointments, such as sexual health screening, or visiting their GP or dentist.
For survivors of sexual abuse, assault or other traumatic experiences, these appointments may be particularly difficult and can sometimes trigger unwanted thoughts and memories.
Trauma can affect us in many ways and can have long lasting impact, both physically and emotionally. Physical check-ups, examinations, and medical appointments may be triggering, so the tips on this page are designed to support you to access the care you need.
Remember
You have control over your body. You deserve to be treated with respect and supported to make your own decisions about the healthcare you receive. Consent applies to health professionals, and any touching or examination requires your permission. This is your right. Read more about your healthcare rights
We would recommend getting tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) if you have had unprotected sex, especially if it is with a new partner.
Some STIs do not have any symptoms, so it is a good idea to get checked even if nothing seems out of the ordinary.
If attending healthcare appointments is difficult for you, you might find it easier to get a free STI testing kit which you can use in the privacy of your own home.
Each STI kit will be different as it will depend on what is available in your area. Some may only provide Chlamydia testing, whilst others may offer Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, HIV and Syphilis tests.
Visit Brook’s website for more information on home STI test kits, including how you can order one.
Visit Brook’s online STIs journey tool, which has useful information and signposting to support services.
If you have been sexually assaulted, you are not alone. Here are some sources of support that you might want to consider getting in touch with:
Click here to view our in-depth guide for survivors of sexual abuse, assault and trauma. It has lots of helpful information about what to do if you have been sexually assaulted, what to expect from an appointment to discuss an assault, and organisations you can get in touch with for support.
If you are a professional you can read our new guide: providing healthcare for young people who are survivors of sexual violence and abuse.