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.

The Lancashire SAFE Centre provides 24-hour support. This includes crisis care, medical and forensic medical examinations, emergency contraception and testing for sexually transmitted infections.

They can also refer you to mental health support and sexual violence support services, such as counselling and ISVA (independent sexual violence adviser) provision in the community.

Based at the Royal Preston Hospital, the SAFE Centre can be accessed by people from across Lancashire via the 24-hour telephone support line, where either a sexual offence examiner or crisis worker is available to talk to. Phone 01772 523344 from Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm or 01772 716565 outside of those hours.

You do not need to make a police report to access support from a SARC.

Visit the Lancashire SARC website for more information.