Publish date: 5 February 2025
Staff who work in sexual assault referral centres (SARCs) in the North West are encouraging survivors of rape and sexual assault and abuse to seek help.
As part of Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week, which runs from 3 February – 9 February 2025, the NHS is encouraging people to find out where their local SARC is.
The Lancashire SAFE Centre provides 24-hour support. This includes crisis care, medical and forensic medical examinations, emergency contraception and testing for sexually transmitted infections.
They can also arrange access to an independent sexual violence advisor (ISVA) and refer to mental health support and voluntary sector sexual violence support services, such as counselling.
Based at the Royal Preston Hospital, the SAFE Centre can be accessed by people from across Lancashire via the 24-hour telephone support line, line where either a sexual offence examiner or crisis worker is available to talk to. Phone 01772 523344 from Monday to Friday (0800-1600), or 01772 716565 outside of those hours.
People do not need to make a police report to access support from a SARC.
Laura May Dunn, Lancashire SAFE Centre manager, said: “SARCs are a vital service as they allow people to take back control following a sexual assault or rape and help to begin the process of recovery.
“We understand that people may be feeling scared or uncertain, and we recognise that trusting others can be difficult in such times. At SAFE, our primary goal is to provide clear information, options, and control over what happens next. We want to ensure that people coming through to our service feel comfortable and confident in their decision making.
“Whatever the choice may be, we are here to offer support and guidance every step of the way and ensure they do not feel alone.
“To access the SAFE Centre, a police report can be made, and for anyone over the age of 18, they can self-refer into the service. Although the service is confidential, if we believe you are in an unsafe or dangerous situation, we cannot keep this information to ourselves and have to pass details to the police or social services.”
To find out more about help after sexual assault and abuse, visit www.nhs.uk/sarcs
