The Havens Introductory Training Course in Sexual Offence Medicine

The Havens Introductory Training Course in Sexual Offence Medicine | The Havens

Dates
Monday 22 September to Friday 26 September 2025 (FME session for non-FME colleagues on Wednesday 1 October 2025, 2.30pm to 4.30pm)

Format
This is a five-day course, held in person (with the exception of the FME session for non-FME colleagues which takes place via MS Teams).

The first three days are open to all individuals working with and supporting survivors of rape and sexual assault. On the afternoon of day three, we provide a ‘trauma-informed’ session for all attendees.

The remaining two days are open to forensic clinicians who undertake forensic medical examinations (FMEs), for example, forensic physicians, forensic nurse examiners or paediatricians.

Additional training, Courtroom Confidence, will take place over one day. It is open to delegates attending the full course.

Course outline
Days one to three:

the law relating to sexual assault
introduction to the different models of care
incidence, prevalence and statistics
consent, confidentiality and ethics
initial assessments, record-keeping and general principles
the role of the independent sexual violence adviser (ISVA)
safeguarding adults and children
police organisation, the role of the specialist officer, early evidence and early evidence kits (EEKs)
the role of the crisis worker and non-police referrals
the role of the approved mental health professional (AMHP)
assessment of mental health
substance use and co-morbidity
understanding trauma-informed practice and self-care
case discussions
Days four to five:

forensic science and sampling:
– general principles
– anti-contamination considerations
use of colposcope
post assault care
– immediate
– referrals
– follow-up
forensic medical examination notes and samples
discussion of initial assessments and case scenarios/examples
documentation and interpretation of findings and injuries (general and body) including non-fatal strangulation
ano-genital anatomy and examination documentation of ano-genital findings and injury
ongoing training and CPD, peer review meetings and qualifications
Locations
The ITC in SOM course will take place in Central London – venue to be confirmed.

The FME session for non-FME staff will take place via MS Teams.

Fees
£595 for first three days only (recommended for non-FME staff)
£995 for five day course
£1,295 for five day course, plus Courtroom Confidence training (recommended for those carrying out FMEs)
Booking
To attend this course, please download and complete The Havens education course booking form (pdf) and:

email to kch-tr.havenseducation@nhs.net; or
post it to: Training, Engagement and Awareness Raising Team, The Havens, King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9RS.