Information on your first point of contact after a sexual assault or rape

I just wanted to write a little bit of knowledge I’ve gained through my training regarding what to do after a sexual assault.

Most people have never heard of a SARC, I know I hadn’t before my training which is a shame because they are actually a lifeline for victims of sexual assault and rape. A SARC is a sexual assault referral/resource centre that can be found in every major town or city. While they are often used in conjunction with the police, they also operate self-referrals for victims who do not want to seek direct police action or do not feel ready to enter into the often daunting and long criminal justice process just yet. One key function (aside from emotional support which I will discuss later in the post) is the collection of forensic evidence, so I just wanted to provide a little bit of information regarding that.

DNA has a decay time, with different areas of the body storing DNA for longer periods of time, hence why it is important to know the time frame in which you should attend a SARC to preserve evidence

Oral – 2 days

Digital – 2 days

Anal – 3 days

Vaginal – 7 days

However, the SARC can also take blood and urine samples to indicate drug or alcohol use within the rape or assault. If it is longer than 10 days, a hair sample can be taken which holds drug information for a significant amount of time.

The SARC also body map, document various bodily injuries and use a specialised camera to photograph assault injuries such as tears.

This forensic information will be stored at the SARC for 2 years, however, if after 2 years you still don’t feel ready to pass the forensic evidence onto the police but feel that you may in the future, you can contact the SARC and ask that they hold onto it, which they will indefinitely.

They also provide emergency contraception that is most effective within 5 days and can provide emergency medication for the prevention of HIV and Hepatitis. They can make further referrals to the GP, sexual health services and social services on your behalf so medical care is completely taken care of.

While the idea of going to a centre and having swaps and photographs taken is daunting, the SARC are also filled with highly trained and experienced individuals named crisis workers to be by your side throughout the whole process. There is never any pressure to disclose the information to the police or any other service if you don’t wish and mental health is at the forefront of their care. The SARC can provide you with an ISVA – a sexual violence advocate to support you through the criminal justice process if needed, and make you safety plans with follow up mental health treatment.

Finally, if you do not feel prepared to make a self-referral in the forensic time frame, the SARC will take historic evidence from you for up to 6 weeks after an assault. While the forensics and imagery can not be taken, they can take statements and discuss options with you to better help you understand how you can proceed if you wish to.

That was just a huge block of text and I know it was a lot but I think it’s so important for everyone to be aware of their options after a sexual assault. Many victims or friends/family of victims just don’t know where they can go and how they will be treated, but places such as sexual assault centres are all about giving that victim a sense of control back and allowing them to decide their journey following on from the assault.

I’m just hoping that people share this or make others aware because it can a) keep someone safe, b) help individuals process trauma and c) mean they may get the best forensic evidence for potential future prosecution.