Exeter's new Sexual Assault Referral Centre leads the way with support and forensic standards

Exeter’s newly unveiled state-of-the-art Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) is set to become one of the first in the UK to meet the upcoming Forensic Science Regulator (FSR) standards and UK Accreditation Service (UKAS) requirements ahead of the October 2025 deadline, setting a new national benchmark in care and forensic excellence.

Opened officially in February by Her Majesty the Queen, the Exeter SARC joins similar centres in Truro and Plymouth as part of a regional network co-funded by NHS England, Devon & Cornwall Police, and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

SARCs are specialist centres offering free, confidential medical and emotional support to anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted or abused, regardless of whether they choose to report the crime to police. Services include crisis care, emergency contraception, STI testing, and forensic medical examinations, which are most effective when conducted soon after an incident.

“Exeter is now proudly offering three self-contained forensic pods which allows for one directional movement and each one has an air flow system that minimises the risk of trace evidence being transferred. We can now also offer five counselling rooms on site,” said Lyndsay Howell, General Manager of Devon & Cornwall SARCs.

“All children are screened for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and are offered trauma-focused therapy which delivers really good long-term outcomes.

“Around 70 per cent of all adult referrals we receive are from the police, but we also welcome people who wish to self-refer, without involving the police. We are independent of the police; we’re a health service which can also offer forensic options. It’s also a bespoke service and everyone who attends can be referred on to an ISVA.

“For us, it’s important to ensure people know that the forensic side is just a tiny part of the service. The biggest part is the therapeutic time we spend with them. It’s about listening, validation and ensuring what happens next is their choice as they are in control.”

In 2023, SARCs across Devon and Cornwall supported 1,361 adults who had experienced sexual violence. Of these, 347 received a forensic medical exam. The Exeter site is also home to the Children’s Centre of Excellence, where 1,499 children accessed services last year, with 235 of those undergoing forensic examinations.

The OPCC also funds Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs) through the Bridge Project South West, a collaborative of seven expert organisations including The Women’s Centre Cornwall and Devon Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Services. ISVAs provide emotional support, legal advocacy and guidance throughout a survivor’s journey.

Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez reaffirmed her commitment to tackling sexual violence and ensuring victims receive effective, trauma-informed support:

“In Devon and Cornwall, we have seen a concerning rise in recorded sexual offences over the years. Since 2010, the number of these crimes has more than tripled.

“While some of this increase can be attributed to greater reporting and awareness, the true picture remains unknown due to fear and stigma when deciding whether to report sexual violence, an uncertainty over justice and support.

“My aim is to continue to try and break down those barriers by making sure every victim of sexual violence, whatever their age or gender, receives the right free support from the services I commission. NHS England commissions SARCs in partnership with PCCs. Last year, for 2024–25, my office funded £333,993 towards Devon and Cornwall SARCs.

“In my latest budget, I have invested £3.5 million to specifically supporting victims of sexual violence and domestic abuse and reducing reoffending. It is in addition to my new £5 million five-year partnership with the Bridge Partnership to provide ISVAs across Devon and Cornwall.

“I am also encouraged by recent court cases where Devon & Cornwall Police has brought sexual violence offenders to justice following the bravery of victims coming forward. It sends a clear message that abuse and violence in any form will not be tolerated in our society where everyone has a right to feel safe.”

Exeter’s SARC is part of Operation Soteria, a national effort to transform the investigation and prosecution of sexual offences. The approach puts victims first, focusing on the behaviour of suspects and embedding trauma-informed practices in every stage of the justice process.

Devon & Cornwall SARCs are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Access is by appointment only via the 24-hour referral line: 0300 303 4626.

Victims and survivors can also access support online at the OPCC’s Victim Care website: https://victimcare-dc.org, including a new Criminal Justice and You resource detailing what to expect from the reporting and justice process: https://victimcare-dc.org/your-journey-through-the-criminal-justice-system/