Victims and survivors of sexual and domestic abuse across the East and West Midlands are being supported to come forward for help and care, as part of a major national campaign backed by a £20million national boost to specialist services.

The new campaign launched at the start of Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week this week (7 to 13 February) to highlight the specialist support offered at sexual assault referral centres (SARCs) across the Midlands.

While the majority of victims of sexual assault and domestic abuse are women and girls, health service leaders are encouraging anyone who needs support to turn to the NHS at one of the country’s 24-hour centres.

SARCs offer confidential specialist, practical, medical and emotional support to anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted, or abused – regardless of when the incident happened.

The plea comes after a new survey found two in five people aren’t sure or do not know where to get help after being sexually assaulted, with 72% unaware there are specialist sexual assault services who can offer confidential support. More than half of people who have experienced sexual assault also say they did not seek help afterwards.

It comes as NHS England announced a £20million national funding boost for sexual assault and domestic violence services over the next three years, including enhanced support services for victims and survivors of sexual assault and abuse who have complex, trauma-related mental health needs.

The campaign, which will raise awareness of the centres and the support available, has also seen the release a powerful short film that addresses common questions and concerns many people face after experiencing sexual assault, abuse or rape, including not knowing who or where to turn to.

Matt Day, Director of Specialised Commissioning and Health and Justice at NHS England and NHS Improvement in the Midlands, said: “Sexual assault or domestic abuse can happen to anyone – of any age, ethnicity, gender or social circumstance. It could be a one-off event or happen repeatedly.

“But sadly, many people across the Midlands aren’t sure where to turn to get the help they need – which is why we want to ensure that they are aware that they can turn to SARC services in their area.

“SARCs provide confidential emotional, medical or practical support from a number of sexual assault referral centres across the region, which offer a dedicated safe space for anyone who needs it, regardless of when the incident happened.

“We know it can take a lot to pick up the phone and take that first step – but SARCs are here at any time of day or night and will support you through the whole process, whatever you decide to do.”

The campaign has been backed by CJ, a survivor from the East Midlands who most recently accessed SARC services in February 2020 and is now working with the NHS as a member of the Health and Justice East Midlands Lived Experience panel.

“Someone who has experienced sexual abuse or sexual violence might be put-off by going straight to the police, which can be really daunting,” she said. “That’s why SARC services are there to explain your options to you and ensure you get the support you need.

“Their support was really important to me, as they helped me to get counselling and they even provided me with a support worker who supported me one-to-one to help me make my own choices about my case.

“I would encourage anyone who’s experienced sexual abuse or sexual violence to come forward and speak to their local SARC service – whatever you tell them is confidential and they are here for you.”

The new campaign comes as a nationwide survey of more than 4,000 people across the country, conducted by Censuswide, found that:

• Over half of respondents (56%) did not seek help from any organisation or service after the incident
• Almost half of respondents (46%) cite fear of being believed as the biggest barrier to accessing services

The number of people receiving help from SARCs nationally halved after the first lockdown compared to 2019, despite official figures showing that domestic abuse and sexual assault had increased.

Sexual assault referral centres provide a safe space and dedicated care for people who have been raped, sexually assaulted, or abused. If you have been raped, sexually assaulted or abused and don’t know where to turn, search “sexual assault referral centres” to find out more or visit www.nhs.uk/SARCs to find your nearest service.

BACKGROUND:

• More information on what help is available after rape and sexual assault can be found at nhs.uk/SARCs
• You can find your nearest SARC via the directory: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/other-services/Rape-and-sexual-assault-referral-centres/LocationSearch/364
• Censuswide carried out a survey with over 4000 people between 4^th January and 18^th January 2022 – results can be found here
• Campaign marketing and social media assets can be found here
• More information on how to recognise the signs of domestic violence and abuse, and where to get help, can be found at UK

FURTHER INFORMATION ON SEXUAL ASSAULT REFERRAL CENTRES:

• People can contact a SARC to make an appointment or ask someone else to do this on their behalf.
• SARCs offer a range of services including crisis care, medical examinations, emergency contraception and testing for sexually transmitted infections. They can also arrange access to an independent sexual assault advisor, as well as referrals to mental health support and voluntary sector sexual violence support services.
• Sexual assault referral centres also have forensic medical examination facilities, should you wish to report the assault to the police or are considering doing this, once you’ve had time to consider your options.
• 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 and next steps.
• Specially trained advisers are also available to you through the criminal justice system if you decide to report the assault to the police. This includes supporting you through the trial, should the case go to court.
• If you have been sexually assaulted or abused, whether as an adult or a young person, it is important to remember that it wasn’t your fault. Sexual violence is a crime, no matter who commits it or where it happens. Don’t be afraid to get help.
• 1,010 people accessed SARC services in the East Midlands between October and December 2021, compared to 634 during the same period in 2020.
• 575 people accessed SARC services in the West Midlands between October and December 2021, compared to 471 during the same period in 2020.