Sexual Assault

If you’ve been sexually assaulted, it’s important to know that help is available and you don’t have to face this alone. You have the right to feel safe and supported, and there are people ready to listen and assist you every step of the way.

SARCs, or Sexual Assault Referral Centres, are specialist facilities that provide support to individuals who have experienced rape, sexual assault, or sexual abuse. In York and North Yorkshire, our SARC is called Acer House.

At Acer House, you will receive immediate healthcare and, if required, a forensic medical examination to collect and document evidence. The centre also has two Video-Recorded Interview suites for North Yorkshire Police to take statements. You will not be pressured to reporting to the police but can discuss with Acer House staff the options available to you.

Click here to visit their website

Acer House is available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Feedback

We appreciate how challenging seeking sexual healthcare after an assault can be. Below is some feedback from people who have accessed YorSexual Health services after an assault:

"My last 2 visits (+ a phone call in between) have been following a recent sexual assault and rape incident. The staff who have helped me and had contact with me have been so very kind, empathic, treated me with so much dignity and compassion, and have seen all aspects of me through this traumatic time. I could not have asked for kinder or more appropriate treatment in this very difficult time in my life"

"I was seeking sexual health care after a recent rape incident and the care I was given and manner it was given in was exemplary. I felt so safe, cared for, and my health concerns taken as seriously as I was feeling them. Despite the trauma of the whole situation, this interaction and the thoroughness and time accorded to me gave me some hope in humanity in an otherwise quite dark time. I wish I had taken note of the nurse's name as she deserves to be noticed for her exceptional bedside manner"

Latest News

New Walk In and Wait Clinics in York

@YSHYorkNYorks

10th October 2025

Our next walk in cervical screening clinic in 📍 Northallerton is on Saturday 18th October 2025 at The Friarage Hospital. You'll find us in The Women's Unit from 10am - 3pm. If you've received your reminder letter and have been putting it off, we'd love to see you there! 💫 If you've been struggling with booking an appointment, a walk in is a great way of getting your screening. Simply turn up on the day with your NHS number, and we'll do the rest. 💫 If you're anxious about your screening, our highly experienced team are on hand to support you every step of the way. You can chat to your nurse who will make adjustments to help you. Remember, you're in control and we're here to help. You can even bring a friend for support. 💫 If you're embarrassed, please don't be! We know it can feel uncomfortable and awkward, but we're a judgement free zone. We're not bothered how long it's been, whether you've waxed, or whether your socks are odd. We'll just be so pleased you came! 💫 If you're seeing this post and you've been putting it off or haven't got round to booking, take this as your sign to tick it off your to do list ✅ This is our last walk in clinic in Northallerton for 2025, so we'd love to see you there. If this clinic doesn't suit you, check out our website yorsexualhealth.org.uk for information on other ways to access your screening through YorSexual Health.