The pandemic changed so many things for all of us; daily lives became disrupted, and the new norm meant remaining within the four walls of home. Sadly, the circumstances of lockdown gave rise to a growing trend of increased domestic abuse and sexual assault. Domestic abuse/sexual abuse helplines reported a growing number of people calling and accessing support online during this period, and as we know, not all victims reach out for help. Therefore, devastatingly, the true number of cases is likely to be far higher.

When working with victims of sexual assault in practice, it can be difficult to know where to signpost your patients so that they can access the specialist care that is so desperately needed after a traumatic experience. To provide a more accessible service, an NHS funding boost of £20million is being invested to help increase awareness of Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) and to create new support centres. SARCs are accessible 24/7 and they are there to offer specialist medical, forensic, practical and emotional support following assault or abuse – the kind of support that it is unlikely you have the resources to provide in your own practice.

Sadly, sexual assault or domestic abuse can happen to anyone, and while a patient may come to your practice after an incident, you may not be best placed to provide the appropriate care. However, SARCs are set up to offer a range of services including crisis care, forensic medical facilities, emergency contraception and, if the patient refers themselves and they are considering reporting the assault, the centre can arrange for a discussion to take place with a specially trained police officer to talk about the next steps.

SARCs are open to everyone – whether the assault is recent or historical. Your patients can contact a SARC to make their own appointment, or you can refer them. You can find the nearest location here.

The NHS has created a range of resources for your practice to make these services more accessible, including social-media assets, waiting-room posters and a campaign film you can share on social media.

Within your practice, this letter details how you and your team can help to promote support for victims of sexual assault. As managers, it’s also important to recognise that there may be employees who could benefit from these services. For example, you could display the NHS tools within your staffroom and toilets, and you could ensure that all your staff are up to date with their safeguarding training.

It’s important to ensure that your patients are reassured that if they have been sexually assaulted or abused, it is not their fault, and no matter who commits it, or where it happens, it is a crime.