Sexual assault referral centres (SARCs)

Sexual Assault Referral Centres provide confidential, specialist support to anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted, or abused. 

They offer a range of services, including crisis care, medical and forensic examinations, emergency contraception, emotional support and testing for sexually transmitted infections. 

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

You do not have to speak to the police or a doctor to get help from a SARC and your rape, sexual assault or abuse does not have to be recent for you to get support. 

If you later decide that you want to report what happened to you to the police, staff at the SARC can support you through that process, but the decision will be entirely yours. 
 

SARCs are designed to be as private and comfortable as possible. All staff have been specially trained to work with people who have been raped or sexually assaulted.

One of the SARC team will talk to you about what has happened and give you the information and support you need to help you think about what you want to do next. 

 You may be offered a forensic medical examination, depending on how recently you have been assaulted. This will involve a doctor or nurse examining you and collecting samples. 

These samples can be used as evidence if you do decide to report a rape or sexual assault to the police, now or in the future, but there is no pressure or expectation for you to report if you do not want to. 

The SARC can store anything they collect during the examination for a period of time, giving you space to think about your next steps.
 

• A doctor or practice nurse at your GP surgery
• A voluntary organisation, such as Rape Crisis, Welsh Women’s Aid, BAWSO
• The 24-hour freephone Live Fear Free Helpline on 0808  80 10 800 
• A hospital accident and emergency (A&E) department
• A genitourinary medicine (GUM) or sexual health clinic
• A contraceptive clinic
• A young people's service
• Call NHS 111 or get help from 111 online
• The police, or dial 101
• In an emergency, dial 999

Support for children

Childline

Information about support if you have been sexually abused or know someone who has.

Contacting Childline in Welsh

Mind Hub

Information and links to services in relation to young people's emotional health and well-being.

Meic Cymru

Helpline service for children and young people up to the age of 25 in Wales.

For adults who are concerned about a child or young person

NSPCC

Keeping children safe and reporting abuse.

Stop It Now

Resources for carers and people working with children and young people (available in English and Welsh and including resources to support LGBTQ+ and minoritised children and young people and those with learning difficulties).

Live Fear Free

For practitioners working with children and young people

Stop It Now

Resources for people working with children and young people (available in English and Welsh and including resources to support LGBTQ+ and minoritised children and young people and those with learning difficulties).

Centre of Expertise on Child Sexual Abuse

Understanding medical examinations for child sexual abuse concerns.

Live Fear Free