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uk Sexual violence & highly sensitive situations pressured into sexual contact • healthcare appointment unsafe • support appointment unsafe • clinician crossed boundaries • inappropriate touching by clinician • sexual pressure in consultation • coerced sexual contact • consent not respected • feel unsafe with provider • want someone in the room • ask for a chaperone • request different clinician • leave appointment safely • scared to speak up • unsure if it counts • power imbalance appointment • pressured during examination • unwanted sexual contact in care • boundary violation appointment

What to do if…
you feel pressured into sexual contact during a healthcare or support appointment and you feel unsafe

Short answer

Get to a safer pause: stop the interaction and put another person between you and them (staff, chaperone, a trusted person), or leave. You do not have to explain or debate in the moment.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t stay in the room “to be polite” if you feel unsafe.
  • Don’t let them rush you into being alone with them again “just for a minute.”
  • Don’t agree to any “private” follow-up contact (personal phone, social media, meeting outside).
  • Don’t feel you must give a detailed explanation on the spot; a simple “Stop” / “I’m leaving now” is enough.
  • Don’t let anyone pressure you into reporting immediately if you’re not ready.

What to do now

  1. End the appointment and create space. Use short phrases: “Stop.” “I don’t consent.” “I want to leave.” Move toward the door or a public area.
  2. Bring another person in immediately. Ask reception or any staff member: “I need a chaperone or staff member with me now,” or “Please get the senior nurse/manager.” (Offering a chaperone is a recognised safeguard in NHS care, especially for intimate or sensitive examinations.)
  3. If you need care today, ask to switch clinician or rearrange. Say: “I want a different clinician,” or “I will continue only with a chaperone present,” or “Please rebook me with someone else.”
  4. Make a quick record while it’s fresh (1–3 minutes). In your phone notes, write: date/time, location/service, name/description, what was said/done, who else was present, and how you left. This is for you.
  5. Tell the service in the safest way you can (keep it brief).
    • GP/community/private clinic: ask for the practice/clinic manager (or “the safeguarding lead”) and say you need to raise an urgent safety concern and want the written complaints route.
    • NHS hospital/trust service: ask to speak to the ward manager/nurse in charge (if you’re on a ward/department) and/or PALS to flag an immediate concern and ask what the formal route is if you choose to take it further.
  6. Get specialist support now, even if you’re unsure what to call it.
    • England & Wales: Rape Crisis 24/7 Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line (phone or online chat).
    • Scotland: Rape Crisis Scotland helpline (evenings).
    • Northern Ireland: the Domestic & Sexual Abuse Helpline (24/7).
  7. If you want confidential medical/practical support without deciding about police: you can contact a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) for care and support. You can ask about options without committing to any report.
  8. If you are in immediate danger or cannot get away safely, call 999. If you’re safe but want police advice/reporting, you can contact 101.

If you may want to report later: try to avoid deleting messages/emails or throwing away anything you think you might want to keep. Only do what feels safe and manageable.

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide right now whether it “counts,” what label to use, or whether you’ll make a formal report.
  • You do not need to write a perfect statement today.
  • You do not need to confront the person again, accept an apology, or attend another appointment with them.

Important reassurance

Freezing, feeling confused, or going along to get through the moment are common fear responses—especially in healthcare settings where there’s a power imbalance. You’re allowed to stop an appointment, ask for another person in the room, and leave.

Scope note

These are first steps to get you safe, supported, and documented. Later steps (complaints, regulator reporting, police reporting, switching providers) can be done with help and at your pace.

Important note

This is general information for the first moments after feeling unsafe during a healthcare or support appointment. It isn’t legal or clinical advice. If you feel at risk right now, prioritise immediate safety and emergency help.

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