New NHS Sexual Assault Campaign

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The NHS has today launched a new campaign to raise awareness of sexual assault referral centres (SARCs) – specialist NHS services that provide a safe space and dedicated care for anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted or abused.

The campaign aims to highlight these vital NHS support services, with new data of over 4,000 respondents in England finding that over half of respondents (56%) who have been sexually assaulted or abused did not seek help from any organisation or service after the incident, and 46% citing fear of being believed as the biggest barrier to not accessing services.

 Nearly half (44%) of those responding also say they don’t know or aren’t sure where to get help if they had been sexually assaulted, and 72% are currently unaware of the support available via the NHS.

This highlights the crucial need to raise awareness of SARCs, which are available for everyone 24/7 and regardless of when the incident happened. If you have been raped, sexually assaulted or abused and don’t know where to turn, search ‘sexual assault referral centres’ to find out more or head to www.nhs.uk/SARCs to find your nearest service.

If you are worried about domestic or sexual abuse call Solace on 02031984659 for free and confidential advice and support for women and men in Bexley.

24 hour national Domestic Abuse helpline – 08082000247

In an emergency call 999 for non emergencies call 101

www.bexleydomesticabuseservices.org.uk       

Domestic Abuse – Safety Enquiry

S – (SPACE) – Can you go where you want, visit friends/family without consequences?

T – (TIME) – Does  your partner give you time limits when you go out, are you always having to check in?

A – (ACTION) – Are you able to chose what you do? Wear the clothes you want and eat what you like?

R – (RESOURCES) – Do you have control over YOUR money?

E – (EMOTIONS) – Does your partner control how you feel?