Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC): What to Expect UK

A sexual assault referral centre (SARC) is an NHS-commissioned service that gives medical, practical and emotional support to anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted, whenever it happened. You do not have to report to the police to use one. In England and Wales you book through your nearest SARC; Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own services, listed below.

Updated 20 October 2026 · Sources: NHS, NHS England, NHS 111 Wales, Scottish Government, NHS Fife, nidirect, Women’s Aid Federation NI, Rape Crisis Scotland, legislation.gov.uk · Next review: January 2027

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24/7

SARCs in North West England say anyone can call them at any time of day or night to book an appointment (NHS England).

SARCs supported by NHS England’s regional health and justice teams across England.

26 months

How long Scotland’s self-referral service can keep forensic evidence while you decide about the police.

Figures from NHS England (checked 20 October 2026) and the Scottish Government and NHS Fife (self-referral service).

What is a sexual assault referral centre?

A SARC is a specialist centre where trained staff look after your health and wellbeing after rape, sexual assault or abuse. The NHS says SARCs are for everyone, regardless of gender, age, the type of incident or when it happened. They can offer medical care, a forensic medical examination if you want one, and referral to longer-term support.

Do I have to report to the police to go to a SARC?

No. The NHS says you don’t have to report the assault to the police if you don’t want to, and a SARC can still help you. If you are unsure, a forensic examination can be arranged first and any evidence is stored at the SARC while you decide. If you choose to report, NHS 111 Wales says the SARC can arrange for a specially trained officer to explain the next steps.

What happens at a SARC?

Every visit is led by you. Staff explain each step, and you can say no to any part of it. This is the usual order, based on NHS and NHS 111 Wales guidance:

1. Get in touch

Call your nearest SARC, or the self-referral line in Scotland, to talk through what happened and book a time.

2. Arrive somewhere private

You are seen in a private room. In Wales you can ask for a male or female examiner.

3. Decide about an examination

A forensic medical examination is your choice. You can choose which samples are taken and stop or skip any part.

4. Get medical care

Staff can offer treatment such as emergency contraception, protection from some STIs and STI testing.

5. Plan your support

The SARC can arrange an independent sexual violence adviser (ISVA) and referrals to mental health or specialist support.

Spiked first? Our guides to drink spiking and spiking symptoms explain what to do; a SARC can help whatever the type of incident.

How soon should I go to a SARC?

As soon as you feel able. The NHS says the sooner a forensic examination takes place, the more chance there is of collecting evidence, and advises trying not to wash or change clothes straight away. If it was more than 7 days ago, still ask a SARC or the police about an examination. NHS 111 Wales advises against self-swab kits, as they could affect DNA evidence.

Common worries, answered

Myth: I have to tell the police

Fact: reporting is optional. The NHS says you don’t have to report to use a SARC.

Myth: SARCs are only for women

Fact: they are for everyone, whatever your gender or age (NHS).

Myth: it’s too late now

Fact: SARCs help whenever it happened. After 7 days, still ask about an examination.

Myth: I must have an examination

Fact: it’s your choice. You can pick which samples are taken and stop at any time.

What are my options after a sexual assault?

You can use one route, several, or none straight away. Going to a SARC does not stop you reporting later, and calling a helpline does not involve the police.

Options from NHS guidance, checked 20 October 2026. For every other kind of crime, see where to report a crime in the UK, and for 999 or 101 see 999 or 101: how to report a crime.

How do I find a SARC near me?

In England, use the NHS “find a rape and sexual assault referral centre” service and book with the nearest one. In Wales, NHS 111 Wales links to the Rape Crisis SARC finder. In Scotland, call the NHS self-referral line. In Northern Ireland, call The Rowan, the regional SARC. Find a SARC on the NHS website.

Is it different in Scotland and Northern Ireland?

Yes. In Scotland, the Forensic Medical Services (Victims of Sexual Offences) (Scotland) Act 2021 underpins a self-referral service: if you are 16 or over you can call 0800 148 88 88, free and 24/7, and evidence can be kept for up to 26 months. Northern Ireland has one regional SARC, The Rowan in Antrim, on 0800 389 4424, 24/7.

▲ as in England · ▬ similar, different detail · ▼ different system. Checked on nhs.uk, 111.wales.nhs.uk, gov.scot, NHS Fife, nidirect and Women’s Aid Federation NI on 20 October 2026. NHS Fife says the Scottish self-referral line is for assaults in the last 7 days; for older assaults, Rape Crisis Scotland can talk through your options.

Who can I talk to?

Talking to someone can help before or after a SARC visit. These lines were checked on 20 October 2026:

If the person who hurt you is a partner, ex or family member, our guide to domestic abuse helplines in each nation lists every specialist line.

Frequently asked questions

Can I go to a SARC if it happened a long time ago?

Yes. The NHS says SARCs are available whenever the incident happened, and The Rowan in Northern Ireland supports people abused recently or in the past. Evidence collection is most useful soon after an assault, but care and support are not time-limited.

Is a SARC visit confidential?

The NHS says your details are kept as confidential as possible. If there is no police investigation or prosecution, your information is not shared without your permission unless someone is at risk of serious harm.

Can I decide about the police later?

Yes. If you have an examination before deciding, the NHS says the evidence is stored at the SARC to give you time. In Scotland, the self-referral service can keep evidence for up to 26 months. Ask your SARC how long it keeps evidence.

Can a SARC help children and teenagers?

Yes. NHS England says SARCs care for adults, children and young people in age-appropriate settings, and The Rowan serves children and young people in Northern Ireland. Scotland’s self-referral line is for people aged 16 or over. If a child is in danger now, call 999.

Sources

General information for the UK, not legal or medical advice. Services change: check the NHS or the service itself for your situation.

All our legal guides are listed in your rights and the law: every guide in one place.

Keep reading

Where to report a crime in the UK: every official route by type of crime

Domestic abuse helplines in the UK: who to call in each nation

Drink spiking: signs, what to do and how to report it in the UK

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