NHS launches campaign to raise awareness of sexual assault referral centres
- Feb 1
- 2 min read
The NHS has launched a national campaign to raise awareness of sexual assault referral centres (SARCs), specialist services that provide medical care, forensic examination, and emotional support to people who have experienced rape or sexual assault.
SARCs operate across England and offer 24-hour access to support for anyone affected by sexual violence. Individuals can contact a centre directly to arrange an appointment and do not need to involve the police in order to receive care.
The services provide a range of support, including crisis care, medical assessments, emergency contraception, testing for sexually transmitted infections, and referrals to sexual health, mental health, and specialist support services. Where appropriate, SARCs can also carry out forensic examinations and preserve evidence if a person chooses to report the assault to the police.
The awareness campaign aims to increase public understanding of SARCs and encourage people who have experienced sexual violence to seek help. Survey data cited by the NHS suggests that many survivors do not access support services, with a significant proportion reporting uncertainty about where to turn following an assault.
Sexual assault referral centres are designed to provide a safe and confidential environment where survivors can receive information about their options and access support without pressure to take any particular course of action.
SARCs are commissioned jointly by NHS England and local police and crime commissioners and form part of a wider network of support services for survivors of sexual violence.
The NHS campaign aims to improve awareness of these services and ensure that people who may need specialist care understand how to access help when they need it.
Further information about sexual assault referral centres, including how to find the nearest service, is available through the NHS website.
SARCs are open to anyone who has experienced sexual violence, including veterans who may seek support through civilian NHS services after leaving the Armed Forces.