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

A historic victory amongst disheartening stats

Yesterday was a big day for survivors and those that work with them. We saw the release of data showing that rape convictions are at a record low in England and Wales along with the Crown Prosecution Service’s (CPS) unveiling of a five-year blueprint to attempt to rectify this. On top of this, the End Violence Against Women (EVAW) Coalition and the Centre for Women’s Justice won a landmark case against the CPS, granting them the opportunity for a full judicial review.
Respond Birmingham

Survivors with learning disabilities. Area Covered: Midlands
One in Four (Kent Branch)

All survivors aged 4+. Area covered: Kent
Victims previously denied compensation may now be able to re-apply

Are you a victim of a sexual offence that occurred before 1979 and within your household? If so, you may be able to apply for compensation which would have previously been denied to you.

The Bridgeway SARC

Area covered: Cumbria
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.
Taking care of yourself & I May Destroy You

It feels like everyone is talking about Michaela Coel’s newest creation I May Destroy You, a drama based on her experience of sexual assault. We want to offer up some tips for survivors thinking of watching the show as well as discuss some of the important topics covered in the series.
I didn't marry a monster

Marital ‘rape’ is a hidden recurring issue which people, mostly women, are reluctant to open up about. This video created by Ola and her partner Olu highlights the taboo issue and reminds those affected that help is available.
I Am A Survivor

Calais talks about her experience, and shares the message 'if you are suffering you’re not alone and although it’s hard, you will get through this'
TST Supportline hours extended

Thanks to funding from the MoJ COVID-19 Response Fund our free national Supportline is now open 7 days a week. We're here to talk, to listen and to believe.
National Helplines
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.
Petition: Make all sexual abuse offences exceptions under the double jeopardy rules

"Many victims will never be able to obtain justice or closure from the criminal courts as the law currently stands as their charges are not deemed "serious" or "severe" enough to be an exception to the double jeopardy rules."
A historic victory amongst disheartening stats

Yesterday was a big day for survivors and those that work with them. We saw the release of data showing that rape convictions are at a record low in England and Wales along with the Crown Prosecution Service’s (CPS) unveiling of a five-year blueprint to attempt to rectify this. On top of this, the End Violence Against Women (EVAW) Coalition and the Centre for Women’s Justice won a landmark case against the CPS, granting them the opportunity for a full judicial review.
Data charges removed for websites supporting victims of crime

The UK’s major telecoms companies have agreed their customers’ mobile phone data won’t be used up if they’re seeking information and support online. Access to websites supporting some of the most vulnerable victims of crime will be free of charge during the coronavirus pandemic, thanks to a new deal brokered by the Government.