SARCs provide a safe space and dedicated care for anyone who has been sexually assaulted or abused and regardless of sex, gender identity, age, the type of incident and when it happened.
SARCs have been co-commissioned by NHS England and police and crime commissioners since 2013 and are subject to Care Quality Committee regulations. There are 48 SARCs across England, which support approximately 30,000 survivors each year.
SARCs offer specialist practical, medical and emotional support 24/7, which includes crisis care, medical and forensic examinations, emergency contraception and testing for sexually transmitted infections. They can also arrange access to an independent sexual violence advisor, as well as referrals to mental health support and voluntary sector sexual violence support services.
Access to a SARC is by appointment; individuals can contact a SARC to make an appointment or ask a health care professional, family member, friend or other representative to do this for them. Individuals can get help from a SARC without having to talk to the police or report what happened to them.