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National Service Guidelines for Developing Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs)
These guidelines highlight the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) as a model of good practice in the provision of immediate aftercare to victims of serious sexual violence. They have been produced jointly by the Home Office and Department of Health because they are relevant to the police and health services in equal measure. Partnership working between these agencies, and with the voluntary sector, is crucial in the provision of services to victims of sexual violence, and in particular, to the success of SARCs.
Title: National Service Guidelines for Developing Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs)
Author: Department of Health Children and Mental Health Division and Home Office Violent Crime Unit
Date published: October 2005
Number of pages: 44
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Who are the guidelines aimed at
These guidelines are aimed at those in the health service with responsibility for commissioning mental and sexual health services, and at those in the police service with responsibility for the successful delivery of sexual offence investigations.
They are also relevant to Strategic Health Authorities and Police Authorities to whom Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) and Police Forces are accountable.
These guidelines will also be of interest to police and practitioners working with victims of sexual violence in a policing, mental health or sexual health context; and to Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships who have overall responsibility for reducing crime in their areas
Practical information about setting up a SARC can be found in the Sexual Assault Referral Centres "Getting Started" Guide, produced by the National SARCs Steering Group to assist practitioners in setting up a SARC.
What is a SARC
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A SARC is a one stop location where female and male victims of rape and serious sexual assault can receive medical care and counselling, and have the opportunity to assist the police investigation, including undergoing a forensic examination. |
Most SARCs are joint ventures between the police and PCTs, with close involvement of the voluntary sector. A SARC can contribute to enhanced investigation and helps health providers and support workers to provide the best possible service. Specific benefits exist for the victim, the health service, specialist women's community based organisations, the voluntary sector and the criminal justice process.
SARCs are an important and effective tool in delivering enhanced victim care but they are, of course, not the whole answer – they are not designed to offer long term support and do not normally provide services for victims of historic sexual violence. They must be seen as part of a broader remit to improve outcomes for all victims of sexual violence, including through strengthening voluntary and community sector service provision, and continuing to improve the way rape cases are investigated and prosecuted.
Services provided by SARCs
wing list details the recommended minimum elements of service for SARCs:A dedicated, forensically secure facility integrated with hospital services
Availability of forensic examination 24 hours a day, within 4 hours in cases of immediate need
Facilities for self-referrals, including the opportunity to have a forensic examination and for the results to be stored or to be used anonymously
Choice of gender of doctor/forensic medical examiner/appropriately trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner. All examiners should be supervised by doctors trained and experienced in sexual assault forensic examination, who can provide interpretation of injuries for criminal justice purposes and ensure the highest standard of forensic examination
Crisis workers to support the victim, the examiner and the police prior to, during and immediately after the forensic examination
Immediate on-site access to emergency contraception and drugs to prevent sexually transmitted infections including HIV
Integral follow-up services including psycho-social support/counselling, sexual health, and support throughout the criminal justice process
Infrastructure to ensure ongoing client care, DNA decontamination, staffing, training and maintenance including stocking of medication
Getting a copy
Download National Service Guidelines for Developing
Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs)
PDF 184Kb
Last update: 02 November 2005