THE NHS has launched a campaign to raise awareness of sexual assault referral centres (SARCs) – specialist services that offer free care and support to anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted or abused at any time in their life.
SARCs are available all day every day across England, however it is thought many sexual assault and abuse survivors do not know where to go or who to turn to for help.
West Midlands Police said: “We know deciding to report rape and sexual assault can be difficult. What to do is always your choice. There are lots of ways you can report to the police if you decide to do so. Find out more about your options here.
“You can get help from a SARC though without having to talk to the police or report what happened.
“The SARC team will make sure that anyone visiting their service understands their options and gets the support they choose in a place where they are safe. This could include 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, as well as referrals to mental health services and emotional and psychological support, such as counselling.”
Anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted or abused and don’t know where to turn click here to find a centre.
You can also find more information about the help and support on offer if you or someone you know has been the victim of rape, sexual assault or another sexual offence, as well as what the reporting process is like, on West Midlands Police’s website.
