Victims of rape who may not want police involvement or are unsure of what action they should take will have the ability to self refer to the SARC. They will be provided with advice on the options that are available to them and receive healthcare support in terms of sexual health screening and access to a counseling service.

Individuals can self refer by contacting the free phone number 0808 178 4448. This is a 24 hour service.

Victims of rape and serious sexual assault who self refer will be spoken to by a trained crises worker who will provide all necessary advice and support. The crises worker will outline all available options to the victim including the option to refer the incident to the Police.

The crises worker will respect the wishes of the victim and implement the procedures according to their wishes. This will include cases where the victim is unsure of what action to take and procedures are in place to secure potential forensic evidence should the victim choose to report the assault to the Police at a later time.

The Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC) examination suites at Cheshunt and Watford have been developed to ensure a standard level of care for use during medical examinations of victims of rape and serious sexual assault. It is a 24 hour dedicated facility for such use and is forensically clean. It will allow for victims to be dealt with in a purpose built facility whilst ensuring the integrity of the examination.

What Sexual Assault Referral Centres Do

Caring for Victims

Referral centres offer victims of sexual crime an integrated service where victims can receive medical care, psychological counselling, legal advice and other support.

Helping the Investigation

Referral centres relieve some of the pressure on Police Service resources by providing centralised facilities where they can meet with the victim, conduct forensic examinations and gather evidence.

Providing Health Services

For victims, referral centres help reduce the stress of dealing with what's happening to them. They can, if they wish, receive emergency contraception and be screened for sexually transmitted infections.

Victims who receive good immediate care and counselling are found to recover more steadily, and are less likely to need ongoing counselling and long-term mental health care.

The Sexual Offence Investigation Team (SOIT) is a dedicated unit which deals with all rapes and serious sexual assaults reported to Hertfordshire Constabulary. The team consists of 1 Detective Inspector, 3 Detective Sergeants and 20 Detective Constables and Investigators, which operate over a 24/7 period. Officers have received specialised training to deal with this type of crime and have made numerous links with partners and outside agencies.

If you need to speak with an officer on this team please call 01707 355064 or 355079.