SEXUAL ABUSE EXAMINATIONS
Specialist sexual assault medical service (SAATS)
People of all ages and genders who may have experienced sexual assault can go to a specialist sexual assault medical assessment and treatment service (called SAATS). SAATS are located throughout the country and are FREE of charge. You can find your local SAATS here.
If you have experienced any type of sexual violence (sexual assault, sexual abuse, sexual harm, or rape), a specialist sexual assault medical service (SAATS) can make sure you are okay and help deal with any concerns you may have about your health.
It’s normal to feel anxious about seeking medical help after you have experienced any type of sexual violence however a medical service can be a good thing, even if the assault happened a long time ago.
How can I access SAATS?
There are several ways:
- You can access a service directly without a referral. The MEDSAC (Medical Sexual Assault Clinicians Aotearoa) Find SAATS Services page lists the medical sexual assault clinics around the country, and how to get in touch with your nearest crisis support agency if you want counselling or advice.
- Ask the Police to refer you.
- Ask your GP, Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa Clinic or Sexual Health Clinic to refer you
- Ask the Hospital or 24 Hour surgery to refer you
- Ask Oranga Tamariki (previously known as CYFs) to refer you if you are under 18
In a sexual abuse examination for a person with a vagina:
Swabs need to be taken from the cells in the vagina and cervix and possibly from in and around the anus (bum hole or back passage).
But it is important that people who bring children to a sexual abuse examination understand that it is not the same as an examination like they do when they go for a cervical smear.
In a prepubertal child, the cells on the vaginal wall and the cells on the cervix are exactly the same cells. In a prepubertal child, if we take a swab from the lower vagina and nothing grows, we can guarantee that there are no bacteria on the cervix either. Because of this, we don’t need to use a speculum for a child sexual abuse examination.
However, when you go through puberty, the cells on the cervix become different to the cells on the vaginal wall. In order to do a good health check, we need to take a swab from the vagina and the cervix. That is why in older adolescents and adults we need to use a speculum and we don’t need to with younger children.
Only the top part goes in and all the rest stays outside. The speculum is gently introduced and then opened slightly so that a swab can be taken from the cervix and the vaginal wall to check for bacteria.
If you are concerned about sexual abuse, feel you have been abused, need an examination, or would like to discuss your sexual health, it’s important to know that there is help available.
If you are in immediate danger call the police on 111. You can call 111 from your cellphone even if you have no credit.
People can go to a sexual health clinic at whatever age and whether or not they have symptoms. If someone is under 16, the service is still confidential.
If you are worried that a child may have been sexually abused, call Oranga Tamariki or the Police or see a doctor.
Note: External genitalia is commonly referred to as the ‘vagina’, although the correct term is actually the vulva. We’ll stick with vagina as that’s the term most people use.
Safe to Talk 24/7 Helpline
For free, confidential information and support for people affected by sexual harm (sexual violence, rape, sexual assault, sexual abuse) you can contact Safe to Talk. This helpline is staffed by specialists trained in sexual harm support. They can help you access information, crisis counselling and support, and give you information about your local service providers. You can say as much or as little as you like and can remain anonymous. The helpline can be accessed free, across New Zealand, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by phone, text, website, online chat and email on:
- Freephone: 0800 044 334
- Text: 4334
- Website/online chat: www.safetotalk.nz
- Email: support@safetotalk.nz
