Forensic and Medical Sexual Assault Care (FAMSAC) provides a safe and caring environment for victims of sexual assault.

About this service

The Forensic and Medical Sexual Assault Care (FAMSAC) service is available 24 hours, 7 days a week.

FAMSAC provides medical assessment and care to people who have experienced a recent sexual assault:

• Free service (including to those without a Medicare card).
• Information and treatment is strictly confidential.
• You do not have to report the sexual assault to the police to access this service.

Who we care for

People aged 14 years and above who have experienced a recent sexual assault (within the past two weeks).

People aged under 14 years of age should present to the nearest emergency department or contact the police.

How to access this service

In an emergency call Triple Zero (000).

FAMSAC can be accessed by:

• Attendance at an emergency department (both Canberra Hospital and North Canberra Hospital)
• Contacting FAMSAC via the Canberra Hospital switchboard on 02 5124 0000
• Contacting Canberra Rape Crisis Centre (CRCC) on 02 6247 2525
• Contact the police:
  • call the police on 131 444
  • visit a police station.
  • use the ACT Policing online reporting tool.

What to expect

You will be seen by a specialised forensic nurse and doctor who will discuss your options with you.

You may have a support person with you if you wish.

If you do not have a support person but would like a counsellor to attend with you, one can be arranged through Canberra Rape Crisis Centre at any time of day.

The assessment may involve some or all of the following:

• General medical history including medications and allergies
• History of the sexual assault
• Physical examination
• Collection of forensic specimens
• Medical testing and provision of treatment - this includes medication to prevent unwanted pregnancy and transmission of sexually transmitted infections
• Referral to counselling services

Where we’re located

We prefer to see patients in the dedicated private examination suite at Canberra Hospital.

If required, you can be seen at North Canberra Hospital in the emergency department.

We have directions to Canberra Hospital.

Resources

• Canberra Rape Crisis Centre (CRCC): (02) 6247 2525
• Domestic Violence Crisis Service: (02) 6280 0900
• 1800 respect: 1800 737 732
• Children, Youth and Families: 1300 556 729
• Victims Support ACT: 1800 822 272
• Lifeline: 13 11 14
• Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
• Translation and interpreting service: 131 450
• Sexual Violence Legal Service (Women’s Legal Centre ACT)