What is a SARC?

If you decide to report the assault to the police, they can arrange for you to attend a SARC for medical care and, if you wish, a forensic medical examination.

If you are unsure about whether to report to the police or not, you can still refer yourself to a SARC for assessment, medical treatment, sexual health advice and emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy.

If you refer yourself to a SARC and are considering reporting the assault to the police, the centre can arrange for you to have an informal talk with a specially trained police officer, who can explain what is involved. You can refer yourself by calling 0300 303 4626 or by submitting a short call back form and we will call you back at a time you specify.

There are also specially trained advisers available in some SARCs or voluntary organisations to help people who have been sexually assaulted. These independent sexual violence advisers (ISVA), also known as an advocate, can help victims get access to the other support services they need. They will also support you through the criminal justice system if you decide to report the assault to the police, including supporting you through the trial, should the case go to court.

You can tell someone you trust first, such as a friend, relative or teacher, who can help you get the support you need. SARC services and ISVA support are free to all, whether a resident of the UK or not.

If you are not sure whether you want to report the assault to the police straight away, you can still have a forensic assessment. The Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) can safely store the evidence for you. This means you can decide to report to the police later, when you feel ready. An ISVA, sometimes called an advocate, will also offer practical and emotional support, whether or not you wish to involve the police.

You can ask for a forensic medical assessment at any time. However, the sooner it is done, the more likely it is that useful evidence, such as DNA, can be collected. Even if the assault happened more than 10 days ago, it is still important to contact a SARC or the police for advice.

If you do report to the police

If you do decide to report it to the police, a police officer specially trained in supporting victims of sexual assault will talk to you and help to make sure you understand what’s going on at each stage.

The police will investigate the assault. This will involve you having a forensic medical examination and making a statement about what happened. The police will pass their findings, including the forensic report, to the Crown Prosecution Service, who will decide whether the case should go to trial.

To find out more about what’s involved in an investigation and trial, you can:

• Talk to an ISVA, supporting police officer or charity such as Rape Crisis.
• Find out more on GOV.UK about going to court as a victim or witness.
• Download a booklet called From report to court: a handbook for adult survivors of sexual violence, produced by the charity Rights of Women.

A forensic medical assessment is an examination where samples are collected that may contain DNA after a sexual assault. Having this assessment is your choice. You do not have to have one, but it can help collect evidence if you decide to involve the police.

The assessment is also a chance to talk about other important issues, such as your health, emergency contraception, and protection from sexually transmitted infections.

The assessment takes place in a specialist Sexual Assault Referral Centre. The staff are trained to support you and will guide you through everything.

The examination is carried out by a doctor or nurse who is specially trained in sexual assault care.

They will ask some questions about your health, the assault, and any recent sexual activity. This helps them decide what care and tests you may need.

They will check for injuries and may take samples, such as swabs from anywhere you have been touched. They may also ask for consent to take urine, blood and sometimes hair samples. In some cases they may ask to keep items such as clothing and other items.

You are in control

The assessment is done at your pace. Everything will be explained to you, and you can choose what you are comfortable with. You can say no to any part of the examination, and you can change your mind at any time. Your choices will always be respected.

Your details will be kept as confidential as possible. However, if there’s a police investigation or criminal prosecution linked to the assault, any material relating to it is “disclosable”. This means it may have to be produced in court.

If there is no investigation or prosecution, information about you won’t be shared with other services without your permission, unless there’s a concern that you or anyone else is at risk of serious harm.