Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs)

A SARC is a one stop location where victims of sexual assault can receive medical care and counselling while at the same time having the opportunity to assist the Police investigation into alleged offences, including the facilities for a high standard of forensic examination.

SARCs are widely recognised as presenting the way forward for provision of services to victims of rape and sexual assault, and were identified by the joint HMIC and HMCPSI thematic review of rape investigation and prosecution, and the Government’s resultant Rape Action Plan as a key point of good practice. They are also advocated by the Interdepartmental Ministerial Group on Sexual Offending who have identified the development of SARCs as a priority.

At present there are 13 SARCs across England. The Government is working with Police Forces and Primary Care Trusts across England and Wales to strengthen and extend the SARC network. Find the location of existing SARCs.

Funding from the Victims Fund will be available to assist in this process over the next two years.

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SARCs offer the following benefits:

Victime Care | Investigation and Criminal Justice Process | Health Services

Victim Care

Offer services that respect individuals' rights to privacy and dignity and their right to decide what happens to their body. SARCs record very high ratings of victim satisfaction.

Integrated service where the victims can have their various medical, forensic, advice and support needs met quickly and sympathetically, in one location, by properly trained staff. Many SARCs are located in hospitals, and this allows access to appropriate staff and equipment, including A&E services if necessary.

Provision for victims who do not want to report to the police.

Encourage take-up of support in the aftermath of rape.

Facilitate the development of services, such as case tracking and support/advocacy, which address long-standing gaps.

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Investigation and Criminal Justice Process

Relieve the high burden of care on police.

High standard of facilities and equipment for forensic examination and evidence gathering. Some SARCs are equipped to take forensic evidence ‘anonymously’, i.e. without the victim having to report to the police. This has a number of benefits:
- it can be used as intelligence, enabling the police to build up a picture of a serial rapist;
- if forensic evidence identifies an attacker, the victim is likely to be encouraged to press charges;
- if a victim decides to report to the police some time after the attack, forensic evidence that would otherwise be unobtainable is available for the investigation.

High level of satisfaction with and confidence in the investigation and criminal justice process, making victims less likely to withdraw complaints and potentially bringing more offenders to justice.

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Health Services

Provide victims of sexual assault with emergency contraception, HIV prophylactics if necessary, and screening for STDs, thereby:
- relieving pressure on GUM and family planning clinics, A&E, and GP surgeries; and
- reducing the likelihood of longer-term sexual diseases and unwanted pregnancies.

Victims who receive good immediate care and counselling are less likely to need ongoing counselling and mental health care.

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