0808 156 3658        safle cymraeg

Frequently asked questions

Click on the questions below to find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.

• Is the service confidential?

  • Yes, Amethyst is a confidential service. It is up to you if you decide to tell anybody about what has happened.
    We may need to break confidentiality if we believe you or someone else is at risk of serious harm. We would keep you informed of this wherever possible. We need to share information with other agencies if we believe a child or vulnerable adult has been or is at risk of serious harm.
    
    

• What do I do if I have been raped or sexually assaulted?

  • If it is an emergency or you are in danger you can ring 999 to report the sexual assault or rape to the police. The police will then arrange to visit you at home. If you have serious injuries you must seek immediate medical help. Amethyst Centre does not have the facilities to deal with medical emergencies.
    You do not have to contact the police but if you do want to, it is important to do this as soon as possible, to enable relevant evidence to be gathered promptly.
    If you don’t want to report the sexual assault or rape to the police you can ring Amethyst on 0808 156 3658. A crisis worker will explain what options are available and provide information about help or support you feel you need.
    If you don’t want to contact either the police or Amethyst you should make sure that you receive medical treatment for any injuries and seek appropriate medical attention for emergency contraception and a sexual health check up
    
    

• Do I have to speak to or report the incident to the police?

  • No, not unless you wish to pursue a complaint of sexual assault with a police investigation.
    
    

• Do I have to be referred to Amethyst?

  • No, you can refer yourself to Amethyst.
    You can ring our helpline 0808 156 3658 and speak to a trained crisis worker who can offer advice on your options and arrange an appointment to attend the Centre if required.
    
    

• What if I want to have a forensic medical examination without reporting the assault to the police?

  • If the assault took place within the last 7 days one of your options is to have a forensic medical examination. If you decide to have a forensic medical examination the swabs will be kept anonymously at Amethyst for up to two years. This enables you to have time to make a decision about whether or not to report this to the police. There would also be the option to share this forensic evidence anonymously with the police, with your consent, in order for the police to look at possible links to sexual offences.
    
    

• What if I was raped years ago or in childhood, can I still contact Amethyst?

  • Yes, we can help refer you to a counsellor or other relevant support services.
    
    

• Who is Amethyst for?

  • Amethyst can be accessed by residents of North Wales who have been victims of sexual assault or rape, regardless of gender, sexual orientation or ethnicity.

• Will I have to sit in a waiting room where people I know might see me?

  • No, there is no communal waiting room. You will be treated individually. This is one of the reasons why we ask you to contact us by telephone so that we can arrange a time suitable appointment time for you to attend.
    
    

• Will the police know I am attending?

  • No, the Amethyst service is confidential. If you are referring yourself the police will not be told of your report. We work in partnership with North Wales Police for those people who do wish to make a report to the police.
    Also see question above regarding confidentiality.
    
    

• Do I have to make an appointment to attend Amethyst?

  • Yes. You will need to ring our helpline number 0808 156 3658 and speak to a trained crisis worker. They will advise you of your options and make an appointment, if necessary, to attend Amethyst.