What was the aim?
Safer Communities delivered the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) services – commissioned by NHS England and the Police and Crime Commissioners of various areas. The SARCs operated as a hub and spoke model, providing Forensic Nurse Examiners (FNEs) and Crisis Workers provided forensic examination and support.
The SARC services were available 24 hours a day, seven days a week including public holidays to people over the age of 18. Our specialist staff provided advice to police and patients, support following recent and non-recent sexual assault, and also acute forensic examination. The service also offered onward referrals to a number of services, including counselling services and Independent Sexual Violence Advisors.
Safer Communities developed a campaign on behalf of The Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) in Teesside to help people understand the importance of consent and who is responsible.
How did Safer Communities help?
We provided specially trained staff to offer full support services, including:
- Confidential Advice.
- Anonymous report to Police or advocacy on victims behalf with direct report to police.
- Specialist medical examinations.
- Specialist forensic examinations, including non-intimate samples.
- Storage of forensic samples, giving victims time to decide on reporting to Police.
- Support through Police interview(s).
- Risk and need assessment to make sure victims are safe.
- Referrals to external agencies with the appropriate consent for specialist counselling and therapeutic support
- Ongoing support from an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA).
