Sarc Teesside

Sexual Assault Referral Centre Teesside helps victims of sexual violence You can call our 24 hour helpline, 03333448283. Our service is free and you do not need to report to the police.

If you or someone you know has been a recent or historical victim of sexual assault, sexual violence or rape we can help.

CALL 01642 516888 to access our services. 24 /7.

If it is an emergency or you or someone else is in danger call 999.

The police will inform us or refer you to us if you ask them.

We work in the same area as Cleveland Police so if the incident happened in this area or you live here we can help with a full range of services. If you are not connected with Teesside and need advice we will help initially and put you in touch with the right people.

We work in Hartlepool, Redcar and Cleveland, Stockton and Middlesbrough. Our building is open office hours and you are welcome to drop in. We have a full 24 hour service which operates every day of the year thorugh our telephone line. We operate a full call out service and can be at work within 30 minutes.

Our way is to look after everyone; men, women, boys and girls. We are experts in the care of victims of sexual assault, violence and rape. If something has happened recently our crisis workers will explain the options so that the victim can decide what to do.

Victims are always in control with The SARC.

We work closely with Cleveland Police who have highly trained officers to work with the victims of sexual crimes. Often victims are traumatised and need time before making decisions. We can explain what happens during a police investigation and gather some early evidence whilst a decision is made by the victim as to whether to make a report to the police. If and only If a victim wishes to inform the police will we help the victim to make a report. If an investigation is started we will help throughout. We work with our partners to provide specialist support throught the whole investigation and court process.

If a victim does not feel able to make an early decision whether to report to the police but would like us to gather forensic evidence so that it is not lost we can do this. We then retain forensic samples in secure storage until a decision is made.

Helen Britton House is fully equipped with modern clinical /medical examination suites. We use forensically trained doctors and nurses who are experienced in sexual violence cases. We gather the best evidence and offer full support during any examination. Our support workers will be with the victim throughout should they wish.

If a victim does not want to report the matter to the police that is fine and we will give specialist support to minimise the physical and mental harm that results from being a victim of sexual violence. If the victim wishes we will provide annonymous information to the police so that they can be aware of an offender for intelligence purposes.

Our support workers work with a victim to plan a pathway of support. We are all employed by the NHS and are able to access services for clients from a wide range of service providers so that the best level of support can be provided. SARC workers refer victims to the most appropraite services to meet their needs and wishes.

Counselling and other specialist services are called SARC services and provided by other approved agencies and organisations on our behalf. These agencies and organistations are specialists too and offer a bespoke and confidential service to clients.

We understand that everyone is different and listen carefully to victims ensuring that their rights are protected and their wishes respected.

It has been calculated that 80% of sexual violence incidents go unreported and that victims often suffer in silence. This needs to change and The SARC offers a safe and confidential way for victims to access the services that they need.

We also work to dispel the myths that surround sexual violence. Only a small number of incidents are committed by a stranger. The majority of victims are assaulted by a partner or someone they know.

It is never the victims fault. Offenders try to blame the victim and to promote this idea to others. They do this to try and hide the truth that they are sex offenders. A person who has sex with another person without that persons consent is an offender.

We offer talks, presentations and awareness training to any group, organisation or business. If you would like to discuss this ring us on 01642 516888 during office hours.