National NHS campaign raises awareness of SARCs
Studies show that 56% of people who have been sexually assaulted or abused have not sought help, and 72% of people are unaware of NHS specialist sexual assault services.
To help raise awareness of support services, the NHS has launched a campaign to raise awareness of sexual assault referral centres (SARCs) – specialist services that offer free care and support to anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted or abused at any time in their life.
SARCs are available 24/7 across England, however, many sexual assault and abuse survivors do not know where to go or who to turn to for help. We also know that some people are put off seeking help due to thinking they need to speak to the police. Help is available from a SARC without having to talk to the police or report what happened.
The SARC team will make sure that anyone visiting their service understands their options and gets the support they choose in a place where they are safe. This could include crisis care, medical and forensic 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 services and emotional and psychological support, such as counselling.
As part of the campaign, the NHS are encouraging practitioners to familiarise themselves with their local SARC and undertake training on identifying and responding to sexual assault and abuse. Further information on SARCs is available on the NHS website and campaign assets can be downloaded from the Department of Health and Social Care website.