An qualitative study of the experience of service users at a SARC (UK)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A qualitative study of the experiences of services users contacting a sexual assault referral centre (SARC) in the UK
IRAS ID
242186
Contact name
Jane Lomax
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of the West of England
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 30 days
Research summary
Health and criminal justice services have been widely criticised for failing to provide person-centred care to survivors of sexual assault and rape (Martin, 2005). Victim-survivors have reported that they often feel blamed for the assault through their interactions with services, increasing the trauma they experience (e.g. Campbell et al. 2001).
Responding to these difficulties the UK Department of Health and Home Office commissioned specialist services called sexual assault referral centres (SARCs). A SARC is a special facility where victim-survivors can receive immediate help and support following a sexual assault or rape. The help available includes a forensic medical exam, forensically secure storage of evidence, crisis support and counselling (NHS England, 2017). The Survivor’s Trust website (2017) reports that there are currently 47 SARCs in existence in the UK and they are the currently supported model of good practice in this area.
Despite the rapid increase in their numbers, there is little or no research evaluating the impact of SARCs on the health and wellbeing of victim-survivors who have used these services. Indeed, it unclear what a 'good outcome' looks like in this context (Brown et al, 2010). This study will explore the experience of service users attending a SARC using semi-structured interviews or other narrative methods. Adult service users of the Bristol SARC will be recruited to participate in the study either through the SARC or other community services. Interviews will take place at the Bristol SARC or at an alternative community venue chosen by the participant. The aim is to find out what their experience of the SARC has been, and to understand from them what constitutes a good outcome. Implications for service delivery and evaluation will be considered.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 4
REC reference
18/WS/0100
Date of REC Opinion
16 Jul 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion