Visiting a SARC
If you have experienced sexual violence or sexual abuse, we really want to encourage you to get in touch with one of our associated SARCs, so that you can receive the support and important healthcare you might need.
However, it is completely your choice.
We understand that you might be feeling confused about what steps to take next, so we have provided you with some information below, which will hopefully help you to make decisions which are right for you and your needs.
However, it is completely your choice.
We understand that you might be feeling confused about what steps to take next, so we have provided you with some information below, which will hopefully help you to make decisions which are right for you and your needs.
Booking an Appointment
The SARCs we work with can't offer a walk-in service, so please let the team know you are coming. An appointment can normally be arranged for you to visit us within 24 hours, so you won't have to wait long.
To book an appointment at the SARC, please visit our Appointments page.
To book an appointment at the SARC, please visit our Appointments page.
When You Arrive
When you arrive, you will be welcomed by one of our friendly Support Workers and a Forensic Nurse Examiner.
To learn more about our SARC teams, please click here.
You are welcome to bring somebody with you, maybe a friend or family member, if that makes you feel more comfortable. If you have asked the Police to be involved, they will usually bring you to the SARC once they have booked an appointment for you.
Our SARC team will make sure you are as comfortable as possible once you are at the centre.
To learn more about our SARC teams, please click here.
You are welcome to bring somebody with you, maybe a friend or family member, if that makes you feel more comfortable. If you have asked the Police to be involved, they will usually bring you to the SARC once they have booked an appointment for you.
Our SARC team will make sure you are as comfortable as possible once you are at the centre.
Explaining the Process and Time for Questions
The SARC team will go through the SARC process with you and make sure that you understand everything. Don't worry if it seems like a lot of information, they will re-explain each stage of the process as they go along. You can choose to use as much or as little of the service as you want to. It's OK if you change your mind at any point - the team are there to support you and your choices. During this time, you will have the opportunity to ask any questions you might have, but feel free to ask as many questions as you like throughout the process as well.
You can learn more about the services we offer at the SARC here.
You can learn more about the services we offer at the SARC here.
Before You Leave
Although you will only be with our team at the SARC for a short amount of time (typically 4-6 hours), we want to make sure that you receive ongoing aftercare and support when you leave our SARC.
If you agree to additional support, it is likely that your Nurse and Support Worker will refer you onto other helpful services, who will be able to offer you additional support following your appointment with us.
They can also put you in touch with an MSAS Male Outreach Worker.
If you agree to additional support, it is likely that your Nurse and Support Worker will refer you onto other helpful services, who will be able to offer you additional support following your appointment with us.
They can also put you in touch with an MSAS Male Outreach Worker.
Confidentiality
Everything you tell us during your visit to one of our SARCs is usually treated in confidence and you don’t need to tell us anything you feel unable to talk about. We understand that this can be a very difficult process and we will do whatever we can to help you through it, during and after your visit to the SARC.
If children are involved, or if you or someone else is at serious risk of harm, the SARC team may have an obligation to inform other agencies. This will be discussed at the time, so you will also know where your information is being shared.
If children are involved, or if you or someone else is at serious risk of harm, the SARC team may have an obligation to inform other agencies. This will be discussed at the time, so you will also know where your information is being shared.
