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Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC)
Anyone who reports they have been targeted by someone engaging or attempting to engage in a sexual act without the Reporting Party’s consent or sexually touching the Reporting Party without their consent, will be signposted to the local Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) so that they may access services provided.
This will also allow the Reporting Party to make an anonymous report and have evidence stored while they choose if they want to make a report to the Police. The Reporting Party will also be signposted to information from the Sexual Assault Referral Centre on how to preserve evidence. It is therefore imperative that this signposting is offered as soon after the disclosure or report is received.
Students, apprentice learners and staff can access the local SARC through the Horizon – Sexual Assault Referral Centre
The SARC services include:
- 24/7/365 acute trauma-informed healthcare and support.
- Immediate over-the-phone rape and sexual assault support and signposting to specialist services.
- In-person rape or sexual assault crisis support and healthcare including access to medications, if needed.
- 24/7/365 Comprehensive Forensic Medical Examinations.
- Collection and storage of forensic samples.
- Comprehensive Risk Assessments.
- Referrals to specialist counselling and Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVA) support.
- Follow-up calls after an appointment.
An individual will be offered these services based on their individual needs and they can choose to use as much or as little of their service as they wish.
Visitors need an appointment before attending the SARC in person. Please call them on 0330 223 0099 to make an appointment.
More information about appointments
If a report is in relation to an under 18-year-old, the university would contact West Midlands Regional Children and Young People Sexual Assault Service
To find a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) near you, you can use the NHS website to search for services based on your location.
Here's how to find a SARC:
- Go to the NHS website: Navigate to the NHS search tool for finding SARCs.
- Enter your location: You can either enter your postcode or allow the website to use your current location to find nearby services.
- Browse the results: The website will display a list of SARCs in your area, along with contact information.
Support Resources
This website provides information about SARCs and allows you to search for services based on your location. : The Survivors Trust
Rape Crisis England & Wales: This organisation also provides information on SARCs and how to access them.
Rape Crisis Scotland: this 24/7 helpline that can provide immediate support if you have experienced sexual misconduct.
Help after rape and sexual assault: the nhs.uk website provides helpful information about where to find support if you have experienced sexual assault and/or violence.
Sexual assault referral centres (SARCs): offer medical, practical and emotional support to anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted or abused. SARCs have specially trained doctors, nurses and support workers.
ACAS: helpline for anyone experiencing workplace-related issues including sexual harassment.
Bright Sky is a mobile app and website for anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or who is worried about someone who might be. Includes a questionnaire to assess the safety of a relationship, plus a section on dispelling myths about domestic and sexual abuse.
Sexual harassment at work advice – Rights of Women – Rights of Women have free legal advice lines for women who have experienced domestic abuse, sexual violence and sexual harassment at work.
24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line (247sexualabusesupport.org.uk): this 24/7 helpline can provide immediate support if you have experienced sexual misconduct.
The HM Government website provides a list of support services for anyone who has experienced sexual violence and abuse. Call 0808 500 2222. They can also arrange access to an independent sexual violence advisor, as well as referrals to mental health support and voluntary sector sexual violence support services. If you’re struggling and need someone to talk to, you can also contact: Samaritans, LGBT Foundation
Imkaan is the only UK-based umbrella women’s organisation dedicated to addressing violence against Black and minoritised women and girls. They provide information about specialist by and for Black and minoritised women in the UK. They support people who self-identify as female.
Mosac provide information and support for parents or carers of children who have been sexually abused
The Survivors Trust has 120 member organisations based in the UK and Ireland which provide specialist support for women, men and children who have survived rape, sexual violence or childhood sexual abuse. The Survivors Trust also has a free, confidential national helpline 0808 801 0818 or text: 07860 022 956 and a separate survivor resources website at https://tstresources.org/
The My Body Back Project offers cervical screening, contraceptive care, STI testing and maternity care for survivors of sexual violence.
Respond provide support for anyone with learning differences and autism who are affected by abuse and trauma. This can include specialist sexual violence advocacy and psychological support.
SurvivorsUK supports male and non-binary survivors of sexual violence, providing counselling, practical help and community on your healing journey.
Safeline is a specialist sexual violence and abuse charity which offers counselling and therapy, independent sexual violence advocates and an online self-guided help programme
StopSO provides specialist therapy across the UK to sex offenders and those who have yet to act on their ‘troubling thoughts’.
They also work with families, helping them come to terms with being related to a sex offender, and Survivors of offending.
The offer therapy and ongoing support. There is a cost to the service, although those on low incomes may be able to receive free therapy.
- Victim Support provides independent, free and confidential advice to victims of crime.
- Citizens Advice provide information about your legal rights in the workplace if you are experiencing sexual harassment.
- Equality and Human Rights Commission: technical guidance on sexual harassment and other forms of harassment at work.
- Equality Advisory and Support Service: helpline to advise on issues related to equality and human rights
- Information Commissioner’s Office: for information and advice on data protection.
- Law Works: to find free advice, representation, and online resources.
- Protect: free, confidential whistleblowing advice.
- Recruitment and Employment Confederation: for information on recruitment practices and standards, including agency workers’ rights.
- TUC represents affiliated trade unions. The TUC website provides guidance on workplace issues for workers and union representatives and has a trade union finder tool for those considering joining a trade union.
- A list of support services on the Government’s website: for victims of sexual violence and abuse.
- Getting help for domestic violence and abuse – nhs.uk provides practical advice and help to recognise the signs and where to get help.
