Getting support
Here, we provide some generic links. Click on the link in the headlines and you will arrive at the location search page of each service. Type in your postcode to find your nearest service.
Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC)
Sexual assault referral centres (SARCs) offer medical, practical and emotional support to anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted or abused. They have specially trained doctors, nurses and support workers to care for you. Help is available 24 hours a day.
SARCs offer a range of services, including crisis care, medical and forensic examinations, emergency contraception and testing for STIs. They can also arrange access to an independent sexual assault advisor (ISVA), as well as referrals to mental health support and sexual violence support services.
The Survivors Trust has 120 member organisations based in the UK & Ireland which provide specialist support for women, men and children who have survived rape, sexual violence or childhood sexual abuse.
The members have the professional expertise and empathic understanding necessary to help survivors meet the challenges and difficulties they are experiencing as a result of abuse or rape.
Rape Crisis Centres provide free, specialist support and services to women and girls who have experienced rape, sexual violence, sexual abuse or any form of sexual violence. Some also provide support to men and boys.
Victim Support is an independent charity dedicated to supporting victims of crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales.
It provides specialist help to support people to cope and recover to the point where they feel they are back on track with their lives.
It provides free and confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year for people affected by crime and traumatic events – regardless of whether you have reported the crime to the police.
This webpage provides general information concerning gaining help following rape and/or sexual assault. It highlights a variety of avenues for support including voluntary organisations, helplines and your GP. You can also self-refer to the NHS psychological therapies service (IAPT).
Women's Aid and Welsh Women's Aid
They work to ensure women are believed, know abuse is not their fault and that their experiences have been understood.