Sexual assault: how to contact NHS referral centres
23 Mar 2022
The NHS has launched a campaign to raise awareness of sexual assault referral centres (SARCs)
SARCs are free, accessible support services for anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted or abused.
The campaign comes after the number of people receiving help from sexual assault referral centres halved after the first lockdown compared with the previous year, despite official figures showing that domestic abuse and sexual assault increased.
Research commissioned by the NHS shows that two in five people (44%) don’t know where to get help after being sexually assaulted and over half (56%) of people who’ve been sexually assaulted or abused have not sought help.
Help after rape and sexual assault
Sexual assault referral centres (SARCs) offer medical, practical and emotional support to anyone who has been raped sexually assaulted or abused. They have specially trained doctors, nurses and support workers. Help is available 24 hours a day.
The nearest sexual assault referral centre is:
- St Mary's SARC - Manchester - 24 hour helpline 0161 276 6515