The number of people being referred for specialist NHS support
following rape or sexual assault has increased by nearly 18% in
the last two years, NHS data suggest.
NHS sexual assault referral centres – which provide free,
specialist support to anyone across England who has been raped,
sexually assaulted or abused – received over 26,000 referrals
last year (26,374, Jan-Dec 2024), compared to 22,407 referrals in
2022.
The rise follows national campaigns by the NHS to ensure more
survivors are aware of the vital medical, practical and emotional
support available, and to raise awareness of the roll-out of
sexual assault referral centres (SARCs) among GPs.
Services offered by the centres include crisis care, medical and
forensic examinations, emergency contraception and testing for
sexually transmitted infections – and they can also arrange
access to an independent sexual assault advisor, as well as
referrals to mental health support and voluntary sector sexual
violence support services.
To mark International Women's Day, NHS chief executive Amanda
Pritchard visited The Havens SARC at King's College Hospital in
Camberwell, one of the country's leading specialist services
supporting survivors of sexual assault and abuse.
NHS data indicate that 61% of all service users last year were
under the age of 25, with around 7,000 referrals (27%) being made
for children under the age of 15.
While more survivors are now accessing support, levels of
self-referrals remain low with the majority of referrals (78%)
coming via the police, suggesting many survivors may not realise
they can seek NHS support without going to the police if they
wish.
The NHS is calling on the support of GPs to help ensure patients
know that they can contact a SARC 24/7 for help and receive
support anonymously if they wish to.
Amanda Pritchard, NHS chief executive, said:
“This is one of those NHS services we all wish didn't need to
exist – but as long as there are people who need the specialist
care they provide, we are determined to ensure that they can get
it.
“It's encouraging that thousands more people are now accessing
support, but there is still more to do to ensure everyone
affected knows of the vital care available. That's why we've been
raising awareness of sexual assault referral centres amongst
other health professionals, and particularly local GPs, so they
can get their patients the help they need, when they need it.
“These centres can be contacted 24/7, and you can stay completely
anonymous, and not involve the police, if you don't want
to.
“This International Women's Day, we want every survivor to know
that the NHS is here for you and that free and confidential
support is available – please seek help from one of our centres
by visiting www.nhs.uk/sarcs.”
SARCs provide specialist medical care, forensic medical
examinations, and onward referral to psychological support for
survivors of sexual assault and abuse and related physical harm,
including strangulation.
While the majority of referrals are for women and girls, these
services are available for everyone, regardless of age, gender
identity and sexuality – everyone can receive the same
confidential, specialist support in a place where they will be
safe.
Kate Davies CBE, NHS national director for health and
justice, said: “Despite ongoing improvements to
services, we know that there are still people who are not coming
forward to get help following sexual assault and abuse. Please
know that these services are available across England if you need
them, and you will be cared for by a team who will help you get
the care that is right for you.
“The involvement of survivors of has absolutely been central to
the development of these services, with a key focus on providing
a safe space where you will be listened to and believed.”
Dr Bernadette Butler, a forensic physician and clinical
education and training lead at the Havens in London, and
President of the Faculty of Forensic & Legal Medicine (FFLM),
added: “The Havens provide a vitally important service
for anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted. Acts of
sexual violence can be devastating, and the increase we've seen
in referrals is evidence that there is greater awareness of
sexual assault referral centres and the care which our teams
provide.
“This is a positive change because the range of holistic care we
provide covers the therapeutic aspects of immediate advice on
safety, medical care and crisis support, as well as forensic
medical examinations. In addition, there is ongoing care and
support from counsellors, psychologists and independent sexual
violence advocates or advisors. The Havens are staffed by
specially trained professionals, who are committed to providing
safe, patient- and client-centred care.”
