PEOPLE across the North West who have experienced sexual assault or abuse are being urged to come forward for confidential support, as the NHS highlights the help available through its network of Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs).
SARCs provide a safe, private space for anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted, or abused — regardless of when the incident happened.
Specialist teams offer medical care, forensic examinations, emergency contraception, testing for sexually transmitted infections, and access to trained crisis workers.
They can also help people report to the police if they choose to, but reporting is never required to receive care.
Across the North West there are five centres, and in the last year those centres have supported over a thousand people who have sought specialist NHS support. The health service is encouraging more people to come forward as part of Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week (2-8 February 2026).
Dr Linda Charles Ozuzu, Regional Director of Commissioning for NHS England in the North West, said survivors often delay seeking help because they are unsure where to turn.
“Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) provide compassionate, expert care at a time when people may feel frightened, overwhelmed, or unsure of what to do next. Whether the assault happened hours ago or years ago, support is there.”
“We know that reaching out to get help can be daunting, but NHS specialists are here for you and will care for you in a place that is safe and confidential – they will listen to you and help you think about your options and never tell you what to do.”
Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust runs Lancashire SAFE Centre*, which operates a 24-hour service and where a trained Sexual Offence Examiner, a specially trained nurse or doctor, is available to talk to prior to any appointments.
Laura Dunn, Lancashire SAFE Centre Clinical Manager and Forensic Nurse Examiner at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “At the Lancashire SAFE Centre, we offer help, support, advice and provide forensic medical examinations for all genders and ages who make a complaint of rape or sexual assault in Lancashire.
“We understand that they may be feeling scared or uncertain and we recognise that trusting others can be difficult in such times. Our primary goal is to provide clear information, options and control over what happens next. We want people to feel comfortable and confident in the decisions they make. Whatever their choice may be, we are here to offer support and guidance every step of the way.
“You are not alone in this and we respect your autonomy in making the decisions that are right for you.”
Anyone can call the centres 24/7 for an appointment by going to nhs.uk/sarcs and finding their nearest centre, and there is no need involve the police if they do not wish.
These specialist centres can also help with testing and assessment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV if needed.
Nicola Kharadi-Weaver, General Manager at Saint Mary’s SARC & SAFE Place Merseyside, said: “The Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) for Manchester and Cheshire, and SAFE Place for Merseyside, have a team of specially trained and committed staff who understand the impact that rape, sexual assault and sexual abuse can have on people’s lives.
“Our team will listen, offer you advice, provide options, explain your choices and give you the tools to decide what to do next. They offer immediate support to anyone living in the Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Merseyside area, who have experienced rape or sexual assault, whether this has happened recently or in the past.”
Services are available for everyone, regardless of age, gender identity, and sexuality – everyone can receive the same confidential, specialist support in a place where they will be safe.
The NHS campaign comes as figures show that one in 250 people (0.2%) aged 16 and over experienced rape or attempted rape in the last year, according to the Office for National Statistics.
To find a SARC, visit www.nhs.uk/sarcs
