Get Help

If you have recently been assaulted you may wish to report it to the police by calling them directly on 999 or 101.

If you are not sure about contacting the police please consider contacting your local Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC).

Your immediate health and forensic needs will be met through attending a SARC, it is important that this is done as soon as possible following the rape or assault.  You can still go to a SARC if you do not want to report to the police.

If you live or have been raped/assaulted in Merseyside you have the option to go to your local Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SAFE Place Merseyside). Please contact them on 0151 295 3550.

If you live or have been raped/assaulted in Cheshire, you can access the service St Mary’s SARC. Please contact them on 0161 276 6515.

When you get to the SARC, a specialist Crisis Worker will greet you and will explain what will happen next.

Services at a Sexual Assault Referral Centre include:

• Forensic medical examination
• Emergency contraception
• PEPSE* if appropriate
• Advice on screening for sexually transmitted Infections
• Hepatitis ‘B’ vaccination
• Referral to an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor and other appropriate support services
• Informal discussion with a specially trained police officer (if requested)
• Translation services if English is not your first language

*A course of treatment to help prevent the onset of HIV in those who are at risk (this must be administered within 72 hours of an assault)

 

If you were sexually assaulted weeks, months or even years ago (with or without reporting to the police)

• Referral to an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor and other appropriate support services
• Advice on Screening for Sexually Transmitted Infections
• Informal discussion with a specially trained police officer if requested
• Translation services if English is not your first language

We work in partnership with Cheshire and Merseyside SARC’s to deliver outreach Independent Sexual Violence Advisor Support and counselling. You can contact us to get more information and advice on any of the issues talked about in this section.

Speak to us

Our specialist team provides confidential, non-judgmental support. You decide what to share and when.

Understand your options

We can provide information about the different types of support available, including emotional support, advocacy, and practical guidance, so you can make informed choices.

Support someone else

If you are concerned about someone you know, there is lots of information in our resources section to help guide you in supporting them in the best way- offering choices here is important.

Take your time

There is no right or wrong way to feel after experiencing or witnessing sexual violence. If you are not ready to reach out yet, our information pages are here whenever you need them.

Our information helpline is 0330 363 0063

(Monday – Friday 9.30am until 4pm – closed on Bank Holidays)

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We are not a crisis service. If you are in immediate danger or need urgent support, contact emergency services (999 in the UK) or reach out to your local Sexual Assault Referral Centre:

Cheshire: St Mary’s SARC – 0161 276 6515.
Merseyside: SAFE Place SARC – 0151 295 3550.

Rape Crisis England & Wales offer a 24/7 Rape & Sexual Abuse Online Chat:

The 24/7 Online Chat is a free service for anyone aged 16+ in England and Wales who has been affected by any kind of sexual violence, abuse or harassment – no matter when or where it happened.

For lots of people who have experienced some form of sexual violence or abuse, talking to someone about what happened can really help. And sometimes it can feel easier to talk to someone over messaging.

💬 Visit the website to start a free online chat

They are here to listen to you, believe you and answer any questions that you might have.

They can also share information and resources that might help you to:

• Better understand what happened to you.
• Work out what you would like to do next (if anything).
• Support you through times of difficulty or when you feel like you can’t cope.
• Find longer-term support, such as counselling or another type of therapy (please note that there might be waiting lists).

⚠️ The Support Line is not an emergency service. If you are in immediate danger or need urgent medical help, please call 999.

 

Self-referring means you can contact us directly to access our support services.

We have a detailed information page about the self referral process, it covers the following:

• Who is eligible?
• What happens after you submit your referral?
• What information do we need from you?

Click HERE to find out more information about self-referring and to access the self-referral form.