Help after rape and sexual assault
Where to get help
Sexual assault referral centres (SARCs) offer medical, practical and emotional support to anyone who has been raped sexually assaulted or abused. SARCs have specially trained doctors, nurses and support workers to care for you.
You can get help from a SARC by booking an appointment with your nearest one.
Other places you can get help include:
- a doctor or practice nurse at your GP surgery
- a voluntary organisation, such as Rape Crisis, Women’s Aid, Victim Support, The Survivors Trust or Male Survivors Partnership
- the 24-hour freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge, on 0808 2000 247
- the rape and sexual abuse support line run by Rape Crisis England and Wales – you can call the helpline on 0808 500 2222 or use the online chat (both are free and are open 24 hours a day, every day of the year)
- a hospital accident and emergency department
- a genitourinary medicine (GUM) or sexual health clinic
- a contraceptive clinic
- a young people’s service
- call NHS 111 or get help from 111 online
- the police, or dial 101
- in an emergency, dial 999
Local Sexual Health Support
Your sexual health is an important part of your overall wellbeing. Having the right information, support and services means you can make informed choices that are right for you.
Teesside Together offer a wide range of services to help local people stay healthy and well. They work with the NHS and local councils to make sure that anyone aged 13 or over can get support.
You can get:
- free, friendly and private advice
- free tests for infections (some can be done at home)
- treatment if you need it
- contraception, including the morning after pill
If you ever feel unsure or worried about sex or relationships, there are people you can talk to in a safe and supportive space.
For people who are looking for a permanent method to stop having children, a vasectomy service is also available through GP referral.
All of these services are here to support people to live healthier, happier lives.
For more information and advice, please check out their website:
SH:24 (Sexual health – 24 hours a day)
SH:24 (Sexual health – 24 hours a day) provide a free and confidential sexual health service. The service is for people of all ages, genders and orientations – you don’t need to see a GP first. Services offered include; contraception-all types, STI screening and treatment, emergency contraception, counselling advice and many more.
For more information, please visit their website: