What is a Self Referral?

It is also acknowledged that not every victim wishes to make a formal complaint to police for many differing reasons.  Many victims of rape are shocked, numb and in denial - they need some time to gather their thoughts before making important decisions that effect their future.  If a person is in a violent relationship, it maybe unsafe to report the assault immediately.  In some instances it can be safer to facilitate a planned exit before reporting the assault.

The Sexual Assault Referral Centre at Twelves Company can facilitate a self-referral system, which allows individuals to contact the SARC and undergo an Independent  forensic examination without the Police.  this enables vital evidence to be retrieved after an assault.  The benefit of a self-referral is that it 'buys the client time' to consider their options before making a decision to report.  The client can chose how long they wish to store the evidence for, often giving them weeks or months to make a decision.  By agreeing to the examination and collecting the evidence, it can improve the likelihood of a conviction.  Police have vital DNA evidence to assist the investigation in addition to the victims testimony.

If a client is outside of the forensic window i.e. the assault happened more than 10 days ago, they can still self refer for any SARC aftercare service.  

The SARC also provides self-referrals with the opportunity to submit anonymous information to the police for intelligence purposes.

To self refer call 08458 12-12-12.