First Light run the Swindon and Wiltshire Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), offering immediate help to anyone who has experienced a recent or non-recent rape or sexual assault in Wiltshire.
If you’ve been raped or sexually assaulted, no matter how long ago, you can contact the SARC directly with or without police involvement. If you decide to report to the police, they may refer you to our service for support.
What happens during my appointment at the SARC?
If you have experienced a recent rape or sexual assault you may be offered an appointment to visit SARC.
The SARC team can provide:
- crisis support,
- risk and needs assessment and safety planning,
- comfortable clothing (if yours have been taken for evidence),
- toiletries and an opportunity to shower,
- space and time for you to decide what happens next.
Sexual offence examiners are a team of highly skilled and experienced doctors and nurses who are trained to carry out a range of interventions to support you during your time at the SARC.
These include:
- risk and needs assessment,
- emergency contraception,
- pregnancy testing,
- sexual health advice,
- forensic medical examination.
To digitally view or download information about the SARC in Easy Read format, click here.