Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week
NHS England have launched a campaign for Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week, to raise awareness of sexual assault referral centres (SARCs). These services offer dedicated care and support to anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted or abused at any time in their life and are available to call 24 hours a day across England. Further information on how SARCs can help and contact details can be found below.
Campaign materials
All campaign materials are available by registering for a free account on the Department of Health and Social Care campaign resource centre, which includes the following:
- General SARC animation
- SARC animation for young people
- Campaign film
- Campaign posters – these feature (1) a female of sixth form / uni age and (2) a male of sixth form / uni age
- Social media assets – including a new carousel, which you can see on our @NHSUK X account
- Digital screens
- Infographics
Materials are available for your use at any time, as and when appropriate.
How SARCs can help
SARCs provide a range of free specialist care, treatment and support to people of all ages, whatever their sex, sexual orientation or gender identity. This includes; immediate emotional support, medical and forensic examinations, emergency contraception, and testing and assessment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV. They can also arrange referrals to sexual health, mental health and sexual violence services as well as support from an independent sexual violence advisor.
Despite these specialist services being available across England, many sexual assault and abuse survivors do not know where to go or who to turn to for help. We also know that some people are put off seeking help due to thinking they need to speak to the police. Help is still available from a SARC without having to talk to the police or report what happened.
Getting in touch with a SARC
Individuals can contact a SARC 24 hours a day, every day of the year, to book an appointment. St Mary's Centre :: Professionals is the SARC that is local to Bury. For more information on help following sexual assault and abuse and SARCs, visit www.nhs.uk/sarcs.
The Ministry of Justice have issued a policy paper regarding the Crime and Policing Bill: Child criminal exploitation and 'cuckooing' factsheet. Click the link below to find out more:
Crime and Policing Bill: Child criminal exploitation and 'cuckooing' factsheet - GOV.UK
A 'Register with Us' facility is now available on the SAB procedures website.
You can add your email address to be notified when new or updated policies or procedures are added.