Frequently Asked Questions
Medical Aid & Preserving Evidence
If you or someone you know requires immediate medical attention, call +65 6874 1616 for Campus Emergency & Security (if on-campus) or 995 for an ambulance (if off-campus). The following hospitals have trained personnel that can support sexual assault cases:
- Urgent Obstetrics and Gynaecology (UOGC), KK Women’s & Children’s Hospital (KKH)
- National University Hospital (NUH)
- Singapore General Hospital (SGH)
Even if you think that you or someone you know does not require immediate medical attention, it is advised that you should still go to either one of the above hospitals for a medical examination as there may be injuries that you are unaware of.
DNA evidence can be collected from your body, clothes and personal belongings. In most cases, there is urgency in the collection of DNA evidence as it can only remain on these surfaces for the first 72 hours. During this timeframe, you should:
- Avoid bathing or showering
- Avoid using the restroom, including washing your hands and brushing your teeth
- Avoid changing clothes. However, if you really need to, seal the clothes you were wearing in a plastic bag with any other personal belongings that you had on you during the incident to preserve evidence
- Avoid combing your hair
- Avoid cleaning up the area where the incident took place (e.g., cleaning the room, changing the bedsheets)
Do note that you are required to make a police report before the Forensic Medical Examination (FME) can be conducted. Following the report, the police may either refer you to any of the above hospitals or to the OneSAFE Centre in the Police Cantonment Complex. The examination will involve:
- Completing your full medical history
- Undergoing a physical examination (including around the genital area)
- Collecting samples of semen and hair for DNA testing.
Do bring some spare clothes as the clothes you were wearing may be collected for forensic analysis.
If you are below 21 years old, you will need to bring your parent or guardian along as the procedure will require their signature.
It would be good to have exact details of the occurrences as it can aid in making a report.
- Take photos of any sustained physical injuries
- Take photos of the scene with identifiable location information (e.g., unit number, building name, distinct walls and/or facades, street signs)
- Note down as many details as you can recall about the incident (e.g., date and time of the incident, what happened, who you were with, when and where did it happen?). If there are no writing materials available, you can message or email these details to yourself.
- Take screenshots of messages and conversations with that person wherever possible (in the event it gets deleted). In cases of cyber flashing, retain any unsolicited and vulgar images and present this when making a report.
You can also contact a trusted person and inform them about what had happened. If you or someone you know has experienced online sexual harassment, Solid Ground offers a step-by-step guide on Preserving Evidence
Emergency contraception, otherwise known as “Plan B” or the “morning after pill”, is a birth control that can be used after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. Ideally, emergency contraception should be taken within the first 48 to 72 hours.
For more information on emergency contraception, visit the Department of STI Control (DSC) Clinic website.
In Singapore, emergency contraception is only available with a doctor’s prescription (this includes general practitioners), but not every clinic may carry it or be staffed by a team familiar with women’s health. It is therefore recommended that you go to a clinic or a hospital with women’s clinic and/or an obstetrics and gynaecology department. One such clinic is the DSC Clinic.
Do note that the woman seeking emergency contraceptive pills must herself be present during the doctor’s appointment. In other words, your partner cannot consult with the doctor on your behalf.
Emergency contraception is not the same as the “abortion pill” and cannot interrupt an established pregnancy.
It is important to get yourself tested for STIs if you think you have been exposed to infection. Even if you have no symptoms, an STI screening is a good precaution.
Same day testing is available at the following Accident & Emergency (A&E) departments:
- National University Hospital (NUH) A&E
- Singapore General Hospital (SGH) A&E
Alternatively, the following healthcare centres provide STI testing:
On Campus
University Health Centre (UHC)
Tel: (65) 6601 5035
For more information, visit the UHC website .
Off Campus
Be Prepared (BePrep) Clinic, National University Hospital (NUH)
Tel (NUH Appointment Hotline): (65) 6908 2222
Email: appointment@nuhs.edu.sg
Obstetrics & Gynaecology (O&G), Singapore General Hospital (SGH)
Tel: (65) 6326 5656
Department of STI Control (DSC) Clinic
To make an appointment,
Tel: (65) 6293 9648
Email: apptdsc@nsc.com.sg
Online Appointment Form
Confidential counselling: 1800 252 1324
You may also choose to get tested at other selected polyclinics, GP clinics and hospitals. Before going to the clinic of your choice, please do call them first to confirm that they offer STI testing.
For a more comprehensive list, click here.
A first screening at an STI clinic can cost about $80 to $140 (with subsidy).
However, STI clinics are not your only option. STI testing can also be done at selected polyclinics, GP clinics and hospitals, which can be much cheaper than getting tested at STI clinics. You can also check out clinics where you are entitled to subsidies, such as the CHAS subsidies.
Some STI clinics such as the DSC have counsellors whom you can approach if you have difficulty paying for the test.
If you had done your testing at a polyclinic or a hospital, you may request for a referral to a medical social worker who will then assess your situation and offer recommendations on financial assistance.