The number of referrals to specialist sexual assault centres has increased by nearly 18% in the past two years, according to NHS England.
Sexual assault referral centres provide free specialist support to anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted or abused. They offer crisis care, medical and forensic examinations, emergency contraception and sexually transmitted infection testing.
Last year, the centres received 26,374 referrals, compared to 22,407 in 2022. Of the referrals, 61% were under the age of 25 and 27% under 15 years old.
NHS England said the rise in referrals followed national campaigns by the NHS to increase awareness among GPs and survivors of sexual assault.
Amanda Pritchard, NHS chief executive said: ‘This is one of those NHS services we all wish didn’t need to exist – but as long as there are people who need the specialist care they provide, we are determined to ensure that they can get it.
‘It’s encouraging that thousands more people are now accessing support, but there is still more to do to ensure everyone affected knows of the vital care available. That’s why we’ve been raising awareness of sexual assault referral centres amongst other health professionals, and particularly local GPs, so they can get their patients the help they need, when they need it.’
Kate Davies, NHS national director for health and justice said: ‘Despite ongoing improvements to services, we know that there are still people who are not coming forward to get help following sexual assault and abuse.
‘The involvement of survivors has absolutely been central to the development of these services, with a key focus on providing a safe space where you will be listened to and believed.’
Last year, it was announced that ICBs would receive training materials and policies on how to respond appropriately to disclosures of sexual misconduct or abuse.
There was a new sexual misconduct policy framework for ICBs launched in October to ensure those who experience inappropriate sexual behaviours at work are supported.
Last week, the government said that training for primary care practitioners on women’s health was ‘crucial’.
