Sexual Assault Referral Centres

Posted by: jreeveseastwood - Posted on:

More than half of people do not come forward for help after experiencing sexual assault or abuse. The NHS want to make it clear: turn to us – we are here.

Sexual assault and abuse can happen to anyone; it may be a single event or happen repeatedly. However, many people do not know where to go or who to turn to get the help and support they need.

Data from the last few years finds that of over 4,000 respondents in England finding that over half of respondents (56%) who have been sexually assaulted or abused did not seek help from any organisation or service after the incident, and 46% citing fear of being believed as the biggest barrier to not accessing services.

Nearly half (44%) of those responding also say they don’t know or aren’t sure where to get help if they had been sexually assaulted, and 72% are currently unaware of the support available via the NHS.

Because of this the NHS has an ongoing campaign to raise awareness of sexual assault referral centres (SARCs) – specialist NHS services that provide a safe space and dedicated care for anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted or abused and are here for everyone, regardless of when the incident happened.

These centres are located across the country and offer specialist practical, medical and emotional support 24/7.

These services are commissioned by NHS England and NHS Improvement and police and crime commissioners. SARCs offer a range of services, including crisis care, medical examinations, emergency contraception and testing for sexually transmitted infections. They can also arrange access to an independent sexual violence advisor, as well as referrals to mental health support and voluntary sector sexual violence support services.

Sexual assault referral centres also have forensic medical examination facilities, should you wish to report the assault to the police or are considering doing this, once you’ve had time to consider your options.

If you refer yourself to a SARC and are considering reporting the assault to the police, the centre can arrange for you to have an informal talk with a specially trained police officer, who can explain what is involved and next steps.

Specially trained advisers are also available to you through the criminal justice system if you decide to report the assault to the police. They can also support you through the trial, should the case go to court.

To find out more about how SARC’s can help you check out the video below.

What is rape and sexual assault?

  • The legal definition of rape is when a person intentionally penetrates another’s vagina, anus or mouth with a penis, without the other person’s consent.
  • Assault by penetration is when a person penetrates another person’s vagina or anus with any part of the body other than a penis, or by using an object, without the person’s consent.
  • The overall definition of sexual or indecent assault is an act of physical, psychological and emotional violation in the form of a sexual act, inflicted on someone without their consent. It can involve forcing or manipulating someone to witness or participate in any sexual acts.
  • Not all cases of sexual assault involve violence, cause physical injury or leave visible marks.

Further information is available at What is rape and sexual assault? | Metropolitan Police

Please be aware that women are not the only ones that can be targeted by sexual assault. Recent research commissioned by Mankind UK in 2021 found that:

  • Half of men had had unwanted sexual experiences
  • 1 in 7 men had been coerced into sex
  • 1 in 10 men had experienced rape or non–consensual penetration

Research also suggests that boys and young men are less likely to report abuse and exploitation, and they remain underrepresented in specialist services and underreported within criminal justice services.

Men are also less likely to speak to close social contacts. The ManKind Initiative helpline have reported 61% of the men who call have never spoken to anyone before about the abuse they are suffering (Statistics on Male Victims of Domestic Abuse – Mankind)

Anyone can be a victim of sexual assault or abuse. If you have been sexually assaulted or abused, whether as an adult or a young person, it is important to remember that it wasn’t your fault. Sexual violence is a crime, no matter who commits it, when or where it happens. Don’t be afraid to get help.

If you have been raped, sexually assaulted or abused and don’t know where to turn, search ‘sexual assault referral centres’ to find out more or head to nhs.uk/SARCs to find your nearest service.

You can contact a sexual assault referral centre to make an appointment or ask someone else, such as a healthcare professional, charity, friend or family member to do this for you.

To find out more and to hear about others’ experiences with SARCs please click on the video below: