The NHS in the South West is encouraging people to find out where their local sexual assault referral centre (SARC) is as part of Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week (3 February – 9 February 2025).

There are 6 SARCs located across the region, which provide help 24/7. This includes crisis care, medical and forensic medical examinations, emergency contraception and testing for sexually transmitted infections.

They can also arrange access to an independent sexual violence advisor (ISVA) and refer to mental health support and voluntary sector sexual violence support services, such as counselling.

You do not need to make a police report to access support from a SARC.

Staff who work in sexual assault referral centres (SARCs) in South West are featuring in a new national campaign to raise awareness of SARCs and encourage survivors of rape and sexual assault and abuse to seek help. This will include members of the team from The Bridge SARC in Bristol who will appear on posters to promote the help they can provide.

This week has also seen the official opening of the new Exeter Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) by Her Majesty The Queen on Thursday 6 February. Queen Camilla has worked in support of those who have experienced sexual violence for a number of years and formally opened the new centre with the unveiling of a plaque.

The Exeter centre offers expanded, state-of-the-art facilities and is one of the first SARCs in England to meet new exacting forensic examination standards. It also offers advanced medical services, as well as specially designed therapy suites, and is a paediatric centre of excellence. The creation of the new Exeter centre was made possible with funding from NHS England with support from the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust through which the SARC services are provided.

A spokesperson for NHS England South West said:

“We would encourage anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted to contact their nearest NHS sexual assault referral centre (SARC) for free, specialist care and support in a safe space. You can get help from a SARC without having to talk to the police or report what happened to you.

“Your local SARC team can help with any health needs or concerns and are trained to provide specialist trauma-informed care. They can also help you access other local, free, specialist services such as Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs), counselling and emotional support.”

To find out more about help after sexual assault and abuse, visit www.nhs.uk/sarcs