Survivors of sexual assault Posted or Updated on 12 Dec 2023

The NHS has launched a new campaign to raise awareness of sexual assault referral centres (SARCs) - specialist NHS services that offer specialist practical, medical and emotional support 24/7 to anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted or abused.

The campaign aims to highlight these vital NHS support services, as new data published today from an England-wide survey reveals that over half of respondents (56%) who have been sexually assaulted or abused did not seek help from any organisation or service after the incident.

Nearly half (44%) of people also say they don’t know or aren’t sure where to get help if they had been sexually assaulted, and 72% of respondents are currently unaware of the support available via the NHS.

If you have been raped, sexually assaulted or abused and don't know where to turn, search “sexual assault referral centres” to find out more or head to www.nhs.uk/SARCs to find your nearest service.