Sexual assault support
Sexual assault is when someone does something sexual to you without your consent or forces you to take part against your will.
It can include things like:
- Rape – when someone forces penetration of your mouth, vagina, or anus without your consent.
- Other acts – like groping, unwanted touching, or forced kissing.
Important to know:
- Sometimes a victim of sexual assault may have no physical injuries or signs of their assault, this doesn’t matter, sexual assault is still a crime- no matter who does it or where it happens.
- It can happen to anyone – regardless of your age or gender.
- If it happens to you, there is support available – and you don’t have to report the assault to the police.
Need help after sexual abuse or assault?
There are services that can support you if you’ve been sexually abused, raped, or assaulted.
Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) are safe places that offer medical, practical, and emotional help to anyone—whatever your age or gender.
At a SARC, you’ll find specially trained NHS doctors, nurses, and support workers who care about your wellbeing. They can help with:
- Crisis support
- Medical checks and forensic exams
They can also help with emergency contraception needs and connect you with sexual health clinics for completely confidential testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
SARCs can also signpost you to other support services including:
- Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs)
- Mental health support
- Other sexual violence services
Devon & Cornwall SARCs – Here to Help
If you’ve been sexually assaulted, you’re not alone. Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) offer confidential help and support across the South West.
Where are they?
Devon & Cornwall SARCs offer support across the region with centres in:
- Exeter
- Plymouth
- Truro
What do they offer?
- Safe, private locations
- Medical assessments
- Emotional and practical support
- Respect and dignity for everyone, whatever your age or gender
Need help?
- 24-hour information line: 0300 303 4626
- Website: sarchelp.co.uk
No. You can visit a SARC without reporting your assault to the police. A specially trained team will talk through your options so you can decide what feels right for you.
What is a forensic medical assessment?
This is a health check where the team can also collect evidence (like samples) if you want. These samples can be stored for up to 2 years, so if you choose to report later, they can help with a case.
The sooner the check happens, the better the chance of collecting evidence.
If your assault was more than 7 days ago, there may not be forensic evidence to collect—but the SARC can still support you in many other ways.
Domestic abuse is a crime.
If you are being abused, threatened, physically or sexually assaulted by a partner, ex-partner or family member, this is domestic violence. It is important to recognise this is happening to you, understand you are not to blame, and get help and support which is available. There are a range of organisations locally and nationally that can provide help and support. You have the right to feel safe and live free of abuse.
National Domestic Abuse – 24-hour Helpline: 0808 2000 247
Respect – men’s advice line- 0808 801 0327
North Devon Against Domestic Abuse
