Safeguarding
Safeguarding
In addition to assessing competence, pharmacists must also screen for safeguarding concerns, as sexual activity in a young person can indicate potential child sexual exploitation or abuse. Key areas to address during oral EC consultations, along with typical questions pharmacists might want to ask, are outlined below.
Consent and autonomy
- 'Was the sex consensual, that is, did you both agree to it?'
- 'Is there anyone who asked you to come and get this [oral EC]?'
Possible exploitation or abuse
- 'How old is your partner?'
- 'Was anyone pressuring you to have sex when you didn't want to?’
Welfare and safety
- 'Who do you live with at home, and are things OK there?'
- 'Is there a trusted adult at home who you feel you can talk to if you are worried about something?"
Vulnerability and risk
- 'Is this the first time you've needed emergency contraception?'
- 'Did anything happen that you didn't want to happen?’
These safeguarding questions should be asked sensitively and without judgment. To normalise the process, it is helpful if pharmacists explain that these questions are routinely asked to ensure patient safety.
Potential safeguarding red flags include:
- Hesitancy, confusion, or distress
- Lack of eye contact
- Significant age difference with the partner, or if the older partner is waiting outside
- Signs of emotional control, coercion, or threats
- Repeated requests for oral EC
- Absence of regular contraceptive use.