Police and NHS Wales Partners Highlight Specialist Support Available During Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week 2026

February 2–8, 2026 marks Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week, a national campaign dedicated to increasing understanding of the impact of sexual abuse and sexual violence, encouraging open conversations, and signposting people to confidential support. 

During 2024–2025, police data recorded more than 2,200 rapes reported across South Wales, South East Wales and South West Wales’. However, the true number of assaults is believed to be significantly higher. This is why partners across health, policing, and specialist services are working together to ensure people know how to access help and support. 

Through a successful partnership between the NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioners and Police forces across Wales, a range of services are available for survivors of sexual assault.  These services are co-ordinated from Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCS) of which there are 3 main Centres in Swansea, Cardiff and Aberystwyth, and supported by more local services in Carmarthen, Risca, Merthyr Tydfil and Newtown.    

SARCs are safe, specialist services for anyone who has experienced sexual assault or sexual abuse. They provide: 

•  medical care and sexual health support 

•  forensic examinations (if a survivor chooses to have one) 

•  crisis support 

•  emotional and practical help 

•  referral and follow‑up support 

SARC services are available to everyone, regardless of gender, age, the type of incident, or when it happened. Importantly, people do not need to speak to the police unless they choose to. 

SARC services are jointly funded by the NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee, the offices of the Police and Crime Commissioners, and policing partners — reflecting a shared commitment to ensuring people affected by sexual violence can access timely, compassionate, specialist care. 

Sue O’Leary, Director of Commissioning for Specialist Mental Health, Learning Disabilities and Vulnerable Groups at the NWJCC, said: 

“Since November 2025, the NWJCC has been responsible for commissioning SARC services across Wales as part of our national programmes portfolio. 

“This partnership approach brings together health services, the police, private and voluntary sector organisations, ensuring a joined‑up, survivor‑centred service shaped by lived experience. 

“We know that many people aren’t aware of the support available from SARCs, so it is important to us as partners to raise awareness of where help is available following a sexual assault.” 

The three main centres in Cardiff, Aberystwyth and Swansea are open 24 hours 7 days a week, and no appointment is needed. 

The smaller centres operate Monday – Friday 9-5 in Risca, Merthyr Tydfil and Camarthen and 9-5 Monday to Wednesday in Newtown.   

People who have experienced sexual assault can access support through   

• A doctor or practice nurse at your GP surgery 

• A voluntary organisation, such as New Pathways, Rape Crisis, Welsh Women’s Aid, BAWSO 

• The 24-hour freephone Live Fear Free Helpline on 0808  80 10 800  

• A hospital accident and emergency (A&E) department 

• A genitourinary medicine (GUM) or sexual health clinic 

• A contraceptive clinic 

• A young people's service 

• Call NHS 111 Wales or get help via their website 

• The police, or dial 101 

• In an emergency, dial 999 

Partners continue to invest in the development of these services and have been pleased over recent months to open the relocated centre in Aberystwyth, and a new paediatric centre in Swansea.   

Useful contact numbers are: