FAMSAC provides forensic and medical sexual assault care to people who have been sexually assaulted. A forensic medical examination may be conducted up to 5 days after a sexual assault.
Emergency contraception is extremely efficacious if given within 48 hours of unprotected sex. It may be given up to 120 hours after unprotected sex.
Medical examination is offered to all FAMSAC clients in day time hours. In addition forensic examination can be conducted if the client presents within the appropriate time frame. Forensic specimens may be collected and stored at FAMSAC for a period of 2 weeks after their collection. This gives the client time to make a decision about whether to proceed with the legal pathway.
Ideally people who have been sexually assaulted should be seen as soon as possible after a sexual assault to address these health matters.
FAMSAC provides a 24 hour, 365 day a year on-call service. Access to the on-call doctor is through:
– Canberra Rape Crisis Centre (CRCC) available 24 hours on (02) 6247 2525; or
– Canberra Sexual Health Centre (CSHC) available business hours on (02) 6244 2184, or
– Canberra Hospital switch board available 24 hours on (02) 6244 2222.