When you’ve been through sexual assault or rape, accessing the right support quickly can make all the difference.
But what happens when that support depends on your postcode?
In this post, I’ll break down what SARCs are, how to access them, and why we need to fight for better funding and coverage across the UK?
What Does SARC Stand For?
SARC stands for Sexual Assault Referral Centre.
These centres are designed to support anyone who has experienced rape or sexual assault; whether it happened recently or in the past.
Services are free, confidential, and available whether or not you choose to report the incident to the police.
What Services Do SARCs Provide?
While the role of a SARC may vary slightly from area to area, they generally offer:
- Forensic medical examinations (with or without police involvement)
- Medical treatment for any injuries
- Emergency contraception and STI testing
- Crisis support and practical guidance
- Facilities to give an ABE (Achieving Best Evidence) interview outside of a police station
- Access to Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVAs) who offer emotional and legal support
SARC for Children and Young People
SARCs also support children and young people under the age of 18.
These services are led by paediatric specialists and safeguarding professionals, offering a safe and supportive space for young people to get the help they need.
Referrals for children can be made by social care, police, healthcare providers, or even family members. Staff at SARCs are trained to respond sensitively and appropriately, with child-friendly facilities and tailored support.
How to Refer to a SARC
You do not need to report an assault to the police to access a SARC.
If you’re wondering how to refer to a SARC, the process is simple:
- You can self-refer by calling your nearest SARC directly
- A GP, nurse, social worker, or support worker can also refer you
- To find a local centre, use the NHS SARC Finder
SARCs are open to people of all genders, ages, and backgrounds. You’ll be treated with dignity and respect, and you’ll be in control of what happens next.
Why SARC Access Shouldn’t Depend on Where You Live
As defined by Rape Crisis England and Wales (2022), a SARC ‘can offer confidential medical and practical support to people who have recently been raped or sexually assaulted.’ The description goes on to mention the heart-breaking line, ‘If you have recently been raped or sexually assaulted, you can visit a SARC, if there is one in your area.’
That’s correct.
Because SARCs are not guaranteed: they’re another must-needed facility that has fallen victim to the infamous postcode lottery and local authority funding.
Where I live, the SARC was only set up in the last 10 years and supports victims of not only recent sexual abuse but historical events as well. The service, in my opinion, is woefully underfunded, and it’s a testament to the staff that the service runs in the way that it does. Until very recently, we also shared our SARC with our neighbouring jurisdiction, which, by the way, is a plane or boat ride away, so it was hardly very accessible if you didn’t live here.
When you’re in crisis, the last thing you need is to be told that the specialist support you deserve might not be available near you.
Final Thoughts
SARCs quite literally change lives. They offer a bridge between crisis and recovery, police and medical care, silence and action. But they need better funding, broader coverage, and national consistency.
If you or someone you know needs help, please use the NHS SARC search tool to find your nearest centre.
And if this post has been helpful, consider sharing it. You never know who might need it.
This post is adapted from a section of It's All Your Fault - due for release in 2025.
