The New Swindon Sanctuary SARC provides comprehensive, caring and compassionate services to those who have suffered rape or sexual assault.

This is a ‘one-stop’ service, free of charge for residents of Swindon and Wiltshire.

 

Medical treatments

When a person comes to the SARC, specialist Doctors and Crisis Workers will medically examine and speak with the victim.  Advice and information will be provided, samples may be taken and antibiotics for sexually transmitted infections will be given where necessary with discreet onward referral to the GU Services for follow-up treatment.  Pregnancy testing will also be offered along with a shower and change of clothes.
The examination, or any aspect of it, will not proceed without the explicit informed consent of the client. The Centre will not contact the police unless the client wishes us to do so.
Please note: All information will be held in confidence by the Centre unless there are child protection issues. If a prosecution results then medical notes may be requested by the Court.

 

Follow up care

A needs analysis will be completed to determine how we can match your needs to the most appropriate services and we will refer you to them if appropriate.

 

Counselling

Short and long term counselling is an option available at the SARC.

The provision of professional and quality services which are designed to support and empower service-users
Services are offered on a 24-hour basis regardless of whether a report has been made to the police
The SARC model of therapeutic intervention aims to enable clients to regain control of their lives and actively challenges rape myths and stereotypes. Counselling is also available to those who have experienced rape/sexual assault in the past
The Centre is committed to an interagency approach and works closely with the police and other criminal justice agencies, health and social care services and voluntary sector organisations
Counselling is available to survivors of sexual assault who live in Wiltshire. All Centre counsellors are female.

What is counselling?
Counselling is a way for you to think and talk about how you feel. The counsellors at New Swindon Sanctuary Sexual Assault Referral Centre can help you deal with your feelings after a sexual assault or rape. Talking in private with a counsellor can help you :
Understand how the experience has affected you.
Cope with any changes or difficulties resulting from it.
Adapt to life afterwards.

What does the counsellor do?
The counsellor meets you for appointments at the Centre's Counselling Suite, usually once a week. She listens to you in a supportive way, and will not criticise or judge you. She can offer information and other support, depending on what you want.

What do I have to do?
It is up to you to decide which aspects of the assault and its effects you want to talk about. It is always your decision to choose what you want to achieve. Counselling is 'client led', which means that you remain in control of the sessions. Sometimes you may feel upset and vulnerable during or after sessions. If you are experiencing feelings that disturb you, you can talk to your counsellor about it.

How long will it take?
Each counselling session lasts 50 minutes. Initially some time is spent on building up trust, which can be hard. The number of sessions you attend is up to you, and is different for everyone. Together with your counsellor you work out what is best for you.

Confidentiality
The counselling service at the New Swindon Sanctuary is confidential. However, please note the following important points :
Counsellors sometimes discuss their work with colleagues, but without revealing a client's identity. They do this in order to improve their skills and help make sure the client gets the best service.

If the assault results in a legal case, there is a rare possibility that the judge may order counselling notes to be given to the court.

Information nay have to be passed on if a child is at risk of harm. This will be discussed at the first counselling session.

Details of the assault are kept on computerised and written records for statistical purposes. Computerised records are protected under the Data Protection Act.

Do I Have to pay?
No. The counselling service offered by the New Swindon Sanctuary is completely free.

How do I make an appointment?
Just ring 01793 507946 during office hours (Monday to Friday, 9 to 5) and ask to make a counselling appointment.
Counselling sessions are usually during the day.
Occasionally appointments have to be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. This will be discussed at the initial counselling session.
If you decide that counselling is not what you want now, you can always contact us at a later date. We would be happy to make an appointment for you then, or offer you other support and information. There is no time limit on accessing our services.
If you have financial difficulties in attending the Centre please speak to your counsellor and she may be able to help you.

 

About the support worker role

The Independent Sexual Violence Advisor is Jan Ryan.
The role of this support worker is to provide practical support to Centre clients. This is distinct from counselling.
This support can be face-to-face or over the telephone and can involve social issues not directly related to the sexual assault. Information about other services and agencies is also available from the support worker.
The main purpose of the support worker is to assist the client with the criminal justice system. This includes support whilst giving a statement to the police, liaison with the police, and attending court with the client. This support is intended to help clients continue with the court process.
You can contact the support worker in office hours (Monday to Thursday, 9 to 5) on 01793 507956.

 

Sexually transmitted infections clinic

We are currently not running our own STI clinic. Please contact your nearest clinic instead - you do not need to tell them why you wish to be tested.

 

Pregnancy

Pregnancy testing can be carried out at the Centre by one of our doctors or nurse. If you meet the criteria for post-coital contraception (the morning after pill) this can also be provided at the Centre. You can also access the Great Weston Hospital Sexual Health Department..

Telephone support and information line
If you need any information about our services, or if you just need someone to talk to about your concerns, just ring the helpline number on 0808 168 0024. This is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

We also provide:

Public education

Community partnerships

Ongoing outreach to potential victims/at risk groups

24 hour telephone support information line

We will not refer you to the Police unless you want us to however, we can help if you do wish to make this step.

Do not suffer in silence.  Let us help you.

Please call us any time, 24 hours a day – 7 days a week on 0808 168 0024

Alternatively, during office hours you can contact Jools on 01793 507811, Jan on 01793 507956 or Becca 01793 507946.