Emergencies - where to get help in Surrey
How to access sexual health services in an emergency.
Updated 4 December 2024
Sexual assault
A sexual assault is any sexual act that a person did not consent to or is forced into against their will. It is a form of sexual violence and includes rape (an assault involving penetration of the vagina, anus or mouth), or other sexual offences, such as groping, forced kissing, child sexual abuse, or the torture of a person in a sexual manner. Sexual violence or assault can happen to anyone of any age. The NHS have also put together some information about what help you can receive after the incident, including your sexual health, and what may happen if you choose to report the issue.
Where to get help
- The Solace Centre - sexual assault referral centre (SARC) offers free support and practical help to anyone in Surrey who has experienced sexual violence and/or sexual abuse.
- Male Sexual Assault Support (MSAS) is a male-specific project working to support men and boys who have experienced sexual assault/abuse.
Child exploitation and online protection (CEOP)
CEOP helps any child or young person under the age of 18 who is being pressured, forced or tricked into taking part in sexual activity of any kind. This can be something that has taken place either online or in 'the real world', or both. The CEOP Safety Centre has clear information and advice on what can be reported to CEOP, the reporting process and what will happen if you do decide to make a report.
There is more information available on Healthy Surrey website.
Other places you can get help include:
- a doctor or practice nurse at your GP surgery
- a voluntary organisation, such as Rape Crisis, Women's Aid, Victim Support, The Survivors Trust or Male Survivors Partnership
- the 24-hour freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge, on 0808 2000 247
- the Rape Crisis national freephone helpline on 0808 802 9999 (12 to 2.30pm and 7 to 9.30pm every day of the year)
- a hospital Accident and Emergency (A&E) department
- a genitourinary medicine (GUM) or sexual health clinic
- a young people's service
- call NHS 111 or get help from 111 online
- the police, or dial 101
- in an emergency, dial 999
Emergency contraception
In Surrey sexual health clinics offer emergency contraception (for use if you've had unprotected sex in the last 5 days.
Many pharmacies in Surrey offer free emergency contraceptive pill (3 day and 5 day pill) to young people under 25 years old. Find your nearest pharmacy.
You can also get emergency contraception from:
- your GP surgery
- Surrey walk-in centres
- A&E Departments (except St Peter's Hospital)
- can be purchased from local pharmacies.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)
If you think you've been exposed to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) virus within the past 72 hours. See our sexual health clinics page to find the walk-in and wait times. More information is available from the Central and North West London (CNWL) website or Prepster.