NHS launches campaign to raise awareness of sexual assault referral centres (SARCs) 

The NHS is raising awareness of SARCs – a specialist service that offers care and support to anyone who’s been raped or sexually assaulted at any time in their life. 

They are available to call for an appointment 24/7 across England, however, many rape and sexual assault survivors do not know where to go or who to turn to for help. This campaign is here to help promote the important work they do and signpost people in the right direction. 

SARCs offer a range of specialist care and support including; immediate emotional support, testing and assessment for STI and HIV, referrals to relevant sexual health, mental health, and sexual violence services as well as support from an independent sexual violence. If it happened recently, they also offer DNA examinations and emergency contraception. 

When someone visits a SARC, the team will listen and care for them in a space that is safe. They will talk through the different options and will never tell them what to do. Help is still available from a SARC without having to talk to police or report what happened. 

SARCs provide more than just medical care – they’re here for you, when you need them. If you have been raped or sexually assaulted and don’t know where to turn, search ‘SARCs’ or go to nhs.uk/SARCs to find out more, including your nearest service.