Help after an assault

Sexual Assault Referral Centres

We understand it can often be a difficult decision to attend a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), especially if you have never heard of one before. A SARC provides coordinated, forensic, medical and aftercare services to men, women and children who have experienced rape or sexual assault, recent or non-recent.

Their full range of services includes:

• Crisis Worker Support
• Forensic Medical Examination (if appropriate)
• Emergency Contraception
• Pregnancy Testing
• Sexual Health Screening for Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV PEP Risk Assessment
• Referral to Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA), Counselling or other supporting agencies.

You may wish to visit a SARC if you have experienced sexual violence. There is no pressure to report to the police but the SARC will be able to take forensic evidence in case you wish to report at a later date.

Everything is carried out with total consent from yourself. The workers at the SARC are all specially trained and will treat you with care. They will be able to talk you through your options and will support you in whatever decision you decide to make.

If you feel that you would benefit from visiting a SARC or for further information please contact the Blue Sky Centre or Horizon SARC.

In order for adults and children wishing to access CRASAC crisis counselling service a visit to a SARC will be required. This can be arranged either directly with the SARC or through the police if you have reported.

NHS Guidance on what to do after you’ve been raped or sexually assaulted.

Victim Support provide independent advice to all those who need help after a crime.