Sexual Assault Response Coordination Services (SARCS) Campaign Launch

Published: 25/09/25

The Scottish Government campaign to increase awareness of SARCS in Scotland launched last week for the fourth consecutive year.

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SARCS is a dedicated NHS Scotland service offering healthcare and support to people in the days after a rape or sexual assault, even if they aren't ready or are unsure about reporting to the police.

Anyone aged 16 or over can self-refer to SARCS by calling the dedicated 24/7 national telephone service within 7 days of a rape or sexual assault.

Across Scotland, SARCS teams provide immediate healthcare and wellbeing support, including forensic medical examinations when appropriate. Forensic evidence can be kept for up to 26 months should someone decide to report to police later. More information is available at www.nhsinform.scot/SARCS

The campaign will run across digital channels, social media, partnerships and PR activity. Latest figures show awareness of SARCS in Scotland currently sits at 26% (Scottish Government Polling Data, 2024), so we need your help to grow this and make sure more people know this vital service exists.

How You Can Help

Please support us by:

• Sharing campaign content on your social channels

• Circulating the Stakeholder Toolkit with relevant contacts

• Displaying and distributing leaflets and posters

• Re-sharing content from Healthier Scotland Facebook page

Stakeholder Toolkit

The SARCS Stakeholder Toolkit includes:

• Campaign key messages

• Ready-to-use social posts

• Social media images and videos

• Posters (these work best in private, safe spaces like changing rooms and toilets)

• Leaflets in multiple formats including Easy Read, Large Format, and Audio with Braille options available on request

• Translations available in Arabic, Punjabi, Simplified Chinese, Polish, Urdu, Gaelic and BSL

All campaign resources can be found via the SG Communications Resource Centre - SARCS.

Information on Self-Swabbing Kits

We are aware of an organisation promoting the use of self-swabbing kits. In Scotland, only a healthcare professional at a SARCS can collect forensic evidence following a recent rape or sexual assault which could be used in any future investigation. The Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine have also published a position statement on the use of self-swabbing kits.

If you have any questions please get in touch. Your support is invaluable in spreading awareness of this important service.

Thank you foryour help and continued support.

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