A SARC (Sexual Assault Referral Centre) is a place you can go for free, confidential support after you have been sexually assaulted or raped.
SARCs are available across the UK and are open to everyone regardless or age, gender, background, or when the incident happened.
They are usually run by the NHS and have specially trained doctors, nurses and support workers.
At a SARC you can access:
- urgent medical care and crisis support
- forensic medical examinations (to collect evidence, if you choose)
- emergency contraception and sexual health checks
- referrals to counselling and mental health support
- help from an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA)
You do not need to report to the police to use a SARC. A forensic examination can still be arranged even if you are unsure whether you want to report.
If you are thinking about reporting, the SARC can arrange for you to speak to a specially trained police officer who will explain what happens next. If you do report, trained advisors can support you through the criminal justice process, including court if needed.
It is not recommended to use self-swab kits, as this may affect the collection of DNA evidence if you later choose to report to the police.
**Before a forensic medical examination, there is guidance on what to avoid to help protect evidence. You can read Rape Crisis England’s advice here.**