Sexual violence crisis centre
Sexual violence crisis centres provide 24/7 support for people who have experienced sexual violence in the last seven days. Come on your own or with an escort, at any time and without a referral, and without having to go to the police. You are welcome even if you do not remember what happened to you.
Sexual violence crisis centres:
- Emergency reception of the Women’s Clinic of West Tallinn Central Hospital, Sõle 23, Tallinn
Reception phone 5342 4724
See more - Ida-Viru Central Hospital, Ilmajaama 12, Kohtla-Järve, entry via the ER
Nurse on call at the gynaecology department, phone 331 1041
See more - Pärnu Hospital, Ristiku 1, Pärnu, entry via the ER
Gynaecologist on call, phone 447 3505
See more - Tartu University Hospital, L. Puusepa 8, Tartu, entry via the ER
Nurse on call at the gynaecology department, phone 731 9954
See more
- Why contact a sexual violence crisis centre?
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At a crisis centre:
- you will be listened to, supported and advised;
- if you wish, you will be examined and evidence will be collected;
- you will be protected against possible pregnancy;
- you will be offered preventive treatment against HIV and hepatitis B;
- you will be supported if you wish to go to the police.
After providing initial help, we will call you back so you can share your feelings, get help in getting back into your daily rhythm, and understand what happened. We will check your physical and mental health and help you see a psychologist or other specialist, if necessary. Sometimes your loved ones also need counselling to understand how they can support you better, to facilitate your recovery.
The examinations and treatment are free of charge. Read more about coping after sexual violence.
HELP TO PREVENT PREGNANCY
If you are at risk of becoming pregnant as a result of sexual violence, we offer help to prevent pregnancy. There are two ways to do this: the emergency contraceptive pill and immediate intrauterine device insertion. The emergency contraceptive pills reduce the risk of pregnancy if taken within three to five days of the incident. The earlier you take the emergency contraceptive pills, the more effective they are. We can give you emergency contraceptive pills free of charge. The fitting of a copper intrauterine device (also free of charge) within five days of the incident effectively prevents pregnancy. During the consultation, the doctor will suggest the best option for you.
TESTING FOR SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES
Sexual violence puts you at risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases. We can advise you on how and when to get tested for STDs and whether you might need preventive treatment. You can be tested for a chlamydia infection, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis: for this, a cotton swab is used to collect secretions from the pharynx, vagina or anus. The same analyses can also be performed using urine. With your consent, a blood sample will be taken to test for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B. You will need to be tested repeatedly and your doctor will advise you in this regard.
In some cases, post-exposure prophylaxis against HIV is needed to reduce the likelihood of contracting HIV. Your doctor can help you decide if you require this. Treatment must be started within the first three days and your doctor will refer you to an infectious disease doctor for support and monitoring. The treatment lasts 28 days.
If you are unvaccinated against hepatitis B and your doctor thinks you need it, you should start as soon as possible (within 6 weeks, at the latest) – you will be referred to an infectious diseases doctor for this.
The examinations and treatment are free of charge.
FOLLOW-UP SUPPORT
Our counsellors are specially trained to help survivors of sexual violence. You may feel emotions that you have never experienced before, feelings of vulnerability, fear and loneliness. Such reactions are perfectly natural. You may want to share your feelings with someone who understands you.
After the initial treatment, we will invite you back to the gynaecologist so that you could share your feelings, get help for getting back into your daily rhythm and understand what happened. If necessary, the gynaecologist will help you see a psychologist or another specialist. Your loved ones often need counselling too, to understand how they can support you better. You will be offered the opportunity to receive regular psychological counselling for a period of time and at a time that suits you. Even if you feel reluctant to go to counselling at first, you may find that over time, counselling becomes increasingly helpful and supportive in your recovery.
SUPPORT IN CONTACTING THE POLICE
Seriously consider informing the police. It is up to you to decide whether or not you want to take formal action about what happened, and whether to do so now or even years later. By making things official with the help of the police, you can help to ensure that no one else falls victim to the same perpetrator. Be sure to contact the police immediately if your own or someone else’s life or health is at risk.
When you seek first aid, your doctor will give you advice on how to contact the police and how they will conduct the procedural acts. When you go to the police, take a trusted and close person with you. Ask for advice on where to get legal advice and help. Victim support workers and women’s support centres can also help you to initiate formal proceedings and get legal assistance.
You can go directly to the sexual violence crisis centre around the clock, or go to the police first, who will then take you to hospital for first aid. You may get a referral from your family doctor or other specialist. You have the right to get help first, and then decide whether to go to the police and when.