![]() ![]() Through our research, my colleagues and I have spoken to hundreds of survivors between the ages of 18 and 75 about their experiences of Sarcs. This places further pressure on voluntary sector services to support people for longer. ![]() A backlog of cases in the courts due to the pandemic, delayed trials and lack of resources in the judicial system, means there are now nearly 10,000 cases waiting, each taking an average of two years to be heard. Rape Crisis is struggling to keep up with the high demand for its services, in response to record numbers of survivors coming forward for help. Many also provide specialist advocates who can help survivors navigate the justice system. Rape Crisis England and Wales provides a 24/7 helpline, with around 40 centres offering outreach, advocacy, pre-trial therapy, peer support and counselling. Sarcs are not the same as Rape Crisis centres, which are run by the voluntary sector. Sarcs help survivors access other services like counselling and support for domestic abuse. This could include storing samples for reporting in the future, and anonymous reporting. The staff at a Sarc can help a person decide the best course of action for their situation. Unless there are overriding safeguarding concerns, survivors have a choice about whether or not to involve the police. I was impressed by professionalism and her knowledge, she was supportive in terms of me being a victim.” One survivor I interviewed referred to their experience as “a remarkably positive experience, considering the circumstances. These exams were once undertaken in busy emergency departments and police stations, but Sarcs provide dedicated private spaces and a supportive environment. Acting quickly gives the greatest chance of securing forensic evidence. These samples, which include swabs of where physical contact took place, must usually be taken within a few days. Sarcs offer the choice to have a forensic medical examination to collect evidence, which may be useful if the case goes to court. ![]() What happens when you seek help after sexual assault They can be reached 24/7, and offer crisis support, first aid, pregnancy and STI testing, emergency contraception, forensic care and referrals to other services like independent sexual violence advisers. Sarcs can be a first point of care for any survivor, no matter their age, gender or how long it has been since the abuse occurred. Today there are over 50 across England and Wales. A survivor can opt to provide a witness statement at the appropriate time. The police will check safety and refer victims and survivors to support agencies like Sarcs. Getting help as soon as possible is important for any injuries and to reduce risks of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy.Ī person may prioritise contacting the police, especially if there is ongoing risk of harm to them or a third party. The narratives people share are upsetting, but give me hope – there is a strong network of Sarcs and other sexual violence and abuse services providing support to people across England, whether people choose to involve the police or not. I’ve been researching the work of Sexual Assault Referral Centres (Sarcs) in England, and speaking to survivors who have used their services. So, I kept this totally from everybody until 2021.” Perpetrators count on survivors of abuse not being heard. I grew up in the age of where everything was hidden. As one survivor I spoke to put it: “My parents didn’t want to know when I spoke to them about it. This means many find it difficult to get help, sometimes carrying the burden of abuse for years. Shame felt by victims and survivors of sexual violence can be reinforced by the responses of family members and others. Millions of people have experienced sexual violence and abuse in England and Wales, but many do not know where to go, or who to turn to afterwards. ![]()
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