Don’t Know Where to Turn After Rape or Sexual Assault? TURN TO SARCS.

The immediate aftermath of a rape or sexual assault can be a devastatingly confusing time. On the one hand you’re trying to come to terms with an event that’s probably hugely traumatic, and on the other hand you’ve likely got a million questions running through your mind about practical things you need to consider. Do I need contraception? Do I need tests for sexually transmitted infections? Do I want to report what happened to the police? Knowing what to do next can seem totally overwhelming.

When I was raped by my ex-partner, I had no idea that the SARCS (Sexual Assault Response Coordination Service) existed. I thought that my only option was to report to the police, and at that time I just wasn’t ready to do that. I felt lost and alone as a result. While I did end up reporting what happened to me years later, I wish I’d known about SARCS and the support they could’ve given me at the time.

As the Scottish Government has just launched its #TurnToSARCS campaign to raise awareness of the service, I thought I’d share some information about SARCS and the vital support they can offer to those who’ve recently experienced sexual violence.

SARCS is a dedicated NHS Scotland service which can offer you healthcare and support if you’ve been raped or sexually assaulted in the last 7 days. Anyone aged 16 and over can self-refer to the service, subject to professional judgement. It can be accessed by any person, and is a safe and confidential space for all. You will be treated with respect, dignity, and compassion at all times. SARCS isn’t there to judge you about anything or tell you what to do, they’re there to help you make the decision that’s right for you.

Specially trained healthcare staff will help provide any medical, emotional or practical support you might need. They will explain the options available to you, answer your questions, and you will be supported in choosing the option that’s best for you. It’s your choice and you remain in control. Sexual violence can leave us feeling like our agency has been taken away, but SARCS won’t force you into doing something you don’t want to.

It’s understandable that sometimes you might not know if you want to report what happened to you to the police; I know myself just how daunting the justice process can be. SARCS can support you even if you’re unsure about whether you want to report to the police, or if you just don’t feel ready yet. If appropriate, SARCS can arrange for a forensic medical examination for you. This can help capture forensic evidence which can be useful if you do decide to report to the police at a later date. Evidence will be held for 26 months so you don’t have to make your mind up right away.

Staff will seek consent at each stage and you can pause or stop the examination at any point. You can ask to have a trusted friend or relative with you before, during and after the examination if you wish.

It’s important to note that there is a difference between a police report and a self-referral. As well as any forensic evidence obtained from a forensic medical examination, the police may be able to gather other evidence as part of their investigation - such as CCTV footage, crime scene evidence, bedding or photographs on your mobile phone. These will not be collected if you self-refer to a SARCS. However, if you’re in the same position I was and don’t feel ready to involve the police, self-referring to SARCS is key to getting the immediate healthcare and dedicated support you need.

Remember that if you’ve been raped or sexually assaulted, you’re not alone, and help is available. If it has been over seven days since the rape or sexual assault took place, there is information and support available. There is also help for those under 16 who have experienced rape or sexual assault. The NHS Inform website provides more information about SARCS, the support available and how to self-refer through a dedicated NHS 24 phone service which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

You can help raise awareness about SARCS services by sharing this post on social media with the hashtag #TurnToSARCS.

*This post was written as a paid partnership in collaboration with the Scottish Government.