IF you decide not to take legal action you may still need medical attention.
You do not have to undergo a forensic examination if you go to A&E or your GP but you may need treatment for your injuries, emergency contraception, and checks for STIs.
Telling your GP will also provide a record of the assault and may help to strengthen the case against your assailant if you decide to prosecute as well as assisting future claims for criminal injuries compensation.
Doctors have a general duty to respect the confidence of their patients, so you can get treatment and advice without involving the police.
However, in exceptional circumstances such as when the victim is unconscious or without the mental capacity to make decisions they are obliged to inform police – this is also true if left unreported it would put the victim or others at risk.
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