Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC)

SARCs (sexual assault referral centres) are specialist medical and forensic services for anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted. They are designed to be comfortable and multi-functional, providing private space for interviews and forensic examinations, and some may also offer sexual health and counselling services. Their services are free of charge and provided to women, men, young people and children.

SARCs provide services to victims/survivors of rape or sexual assault regardless of whether the survivor/victim chooses to reports the offence to the police or not. They have specialist staff that are trained to help you make informed decisions about what you want to do next.

Some SARCs have Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVAs) who provide a range of specialist support to victims/survivors which vary case by case and are dependent on individual needs. Typically ISVAs provide impartial information to victims/survivors regarding their options, from reporting to the police to accessing other relevant services.

You can find the closest SARC to you by searching for your location on the NHS website.

Find Support | Find an ISVA

Latest

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Find Specialist Support in your Area

The Survivors Trust has 124 member organisations based in the UK & Ireland which provide specialist support for women, men & children who have survived rape, sexual violence or childhood sexual abuse.
Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVA)

Many specialist support agencies offer an Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (ISVA) service to victims/survivors of rape and sexual assault. An ISVA is trained to look after your needs, and to ensure that you receive care and understanding.

Find Specialist Support in your Area

The Survivors Trust has 124 member organisations based in the UK & Ireland which provide specialist support for women, men & children who have survived rape, sexual violence or childhood sexual abuse.
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Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC)

SARCs (sexual assault referral centres) are specialist medical and forensic services for anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted. They are designed to be comfortable and multi-functional, providing private space for interviews and forensic examinations, and some may also offer sexual health and counselling services.
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