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Swindon & Wiltshire SARC

Specialist support after rape or sexual assault

The Swindon & Wiltshire Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) is a safe place for anyone aged 18 or over who has experienced rape or sexual assault, whether it happened recently or in the past.

You are believed, and you stay in control of every step.

We’re here to listen. We’re here to believe you.
We’re here to support you in creating a future free from abuse and fear.

Use our Navigator to
find what you need.

At the Swindon & Wiltshire SARC, we provide a safe and supportive place for anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted. Our role is to help you, gather and preserve evidence if you choose, and make sure you feel cared for throughout the process.

This confidential and independent service is open to adults of all genders and backgrounds.

When you come to the SARC, you are always in control. Nothing will ever be done without your consent, and everything will be explained clearly to you before it happens.

We are here for you.

You can access Swindon & Wiltshire Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) by completing our referral form using the buttons below.

Once submitted, a member of our team will contact you.
Alternatively, you can call us directly on

01793 781917

Make a Referral For Myself
Make a Referral For Someone Else
Make a Professional Referral
Click to Refer Anyone Under 18 to the Bridge

How we
can help

The Swindon & Wiltshire SARC is here for anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted. You don’t have to have reported to the police to come to us.

We can help by:

  • Making sure you are safe and cared for with a health check
  • Collecting and storing evidence in case you decide to report later
  • Offering forensic medical examinations if you want one
  • Providing showers, toiletries, food, drink and spare clothing
  • Giving you medication or referrals for sexual health care
  • Listening, supporting and explaining your options without pressure

You are always in control. We will never do anything without your consent, and you can choose what feels right for you.

Learn More About

What our SARC offers

  • Forensic medical examinations within 10 days of an assault, with or without police involvement
  • Welfare-only appointments and body mapping if you are outside the forensic window
  • Evidence storage for at least 2 years if you are unsure about reporting to the police
  • Crisis support and a holistic assessment of your needs
  • Medication and health safeguarding, with referrals to local sexual health clinics
  • Onward referrals for ongoing emotional and practical support
  • Practical care on site including showers, change of clothes, toiletries, food and drink
  • Telephone and face-to-face support from trained Crisis Workers
  • Anonymous intelligence sharing if you want to share information without a formal police report

What to expect at your appointment

A typical visit lasts around 4 hours.

Arrival and welcome

  • You will be offered a drink and be made as comfortable as possible.
  • A Crisis Worker explains the process and answers questions.

Confidential assessment

  • We ask about you and your health so we can offer the right care.
  • You can take breaks and pauses as much as you need.

Forensic medical exam (if within 10 days and you choose this)

    • Usually around 30 minutes in the medical room.
    • A nurse takes swabs and, with your consent, photographs body maps of injuries.
    • If you have not involved the police, samples can be stored at the SARC for up to 2 years.

Care and aftercare

      • Medication if appropriate, a shower, change of clothes, food and drink.
      • Referrals to Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) and community services so support continues after you leave.

If you are beyond 10 days, we can still offer a welfare examination, document injuries and discuss options, including referrals and emotional support.

“Thank you so much.”

– Survivor

Your choices, your consent

You decide what happens. We explain every option and check your consent at each stage. We will not do anything you do not want. Attending the Swindon & Wiltshire SARC does not mean you have to report to the police.

How to access the Swindon & Wiltshire SARC

  • Self-refer by calling our 24/7 SARC number
  • Ask a professional you trust to refer you
  • Report to the police, who can also refer you

You can come to the Swindon & Wiltshire SARC even if you do not want to talk to the police.

Who can use the Swindon & Wiltshire SARC

  • Adults 18+ who have experienced rape or sexual assault, recently or historically
  • Young people aged 16–17 can attend if referred by The Bridge
  • People of any gender, background or immigration status
  • You can attend with or without police involvement
  •  

If you’re not sure whether what happened to you is abuse – that’s okay.

You can still contact us. We’ll listen and help you make sense of it.

You do not have to go through this alone.

We’re here for you – whenever you’re ready.

Where to find us

We’re based at:
Swindon & Wiltshire SARC
The Gables
Shrivenham Road
South Marston
Swindon
Wiltshire
SN3 4RB

Opposite Gablecross Police Station, in the car park

Learn More About Our SARC

Online Resources

Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) FAQ

  • Where is the SARC in Swindon?

     We’re based outside the Swindon Police Station, in The Gables Building in the carpark.

    The Address is:

    Swindon & Wiltshire SARC

    The Gables

    Shrivenham Road

    South Marston

    Swindon

    Wiltshire

    SN3 4RB  

  • Can I come if I do not want to report to the police?

    Yes.You can have a medical, receive care and store evidence for at least 2 years while you decide 

  • How long will I be at the SARC?

    Around 4 hours in total. Time in the medical room is usually about 30 minutes. 

  • Can men use the SARC?

    Yes. The service is open to people of all genders. Men and non-binary people who have experienced sexual abuse or violence will be listened to and supported. 

  • I am out of area. Can I attend the Swindon & Wiltshire SARC?

    Yes. If you prefer to come to Swindon, you can self-refer and we will support you. 

  • Can you tell me if I was assaulted or if I was spiked?

    The clinical team cannot confirm whether an assault happened or whether a drink was spiked. We will document findings, explain options and support you to access further testing and care.  

  • Do you test for STIs at the SARC?

    We will assess your health and provide medication where appropriate, then refer you to your local sexual health clinic for STI testing and follow-up. 

  • Will you tell me the results of my swabs?

    Swabs collected for forensic purposes are passed to the police for testing. Testing is not done at the SARC and results are not issued by us. 

  • Can Children and Young People access the SARC?

    Anyone under 18 years of age, must be referred to The Bridge who specialise in supporting children and young people

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