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Find the nearest to meRape and Sexual Assault
To report a rape or sexual assault call 999 or you can contact The Bridge who are a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC).
The Bridge who are a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC). Offer support and practical help to anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted (recently or historically)
If it is a recent sexual assault, it is important that you contact the service as soon as possible on 0117 342 6999. Which is open 24/7, 365 days a year. The call is free and confidential
They provide
- Emotional and psychological support
- Medical care (including emergency contraception and post-exposure prophylaxis, PEPSE)
- Practical help
- Information about reporting the rape or sexual assault to the police
- Free counselling for you or your family
They can also support with historic sexual assaults or rapes as it doesn’t matter when you were assaulted, where it happened or who did it
Services are offered to adults or children in Somerset, North Somerset, Bath & North East Somerset Bristol and South Gloucestershire,
www.thebridgecanhelp.org.uk Tel 0117 3426999
Being seen in SWISH following a sexual assault
You can attend SWISH following a sexual assault for sexual health screening and other services whether you are referring yourself or referred by a SARC like The Bridge
We are a confidential service,
Testing – we usually take tests called baseline and then offer again out of window period (When infection will show)
On most occasions this can be done without an examination, if you have no symptoms, and is a quick and easy process.
We recommend testing at 2 weeks after a risk for bacterial infections such as chlamydia or gonorrhea , and a blood test at 3 months for blood borne viruses.
Testing can give peace of mind after an assault and help you to take back control.
We can provide
- Emergency Contraception | SWISH,
- Pregnancy Testing | SWISH
- And ongoing Methods of Contraception | SWISH
- Post Exposure Prophylaxis | SWISH for anyone who may have had a risk of being exposed to HIV. This is a course of tablets that if started within 72 hours (3 days) of a risk can prevent HIV transmission.
- Vaccinations| SWISH for Hepatitis B This is a course of 4 small injections that protects against hepatitis B infection and can give peace of mind.
When you are initially seen a plan will be made to repeat tests and complete vaccinations if chosen
Somerset & Avon Rape & Sexual Abuse Support
SARSAS provide support to people who have experienced rape or any kind of sexual assault or abuse at any time in their lives.
They offer a help line:
- For women and girls 0808 801 0456 Monday & Friday 11am - 2pm; Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 6pm - 8:30pm
- For men and boys 0808 801 0464 Monday 11am - 2pm; Tuesday 6pm - 8:30pm
Their website is www.sarsas.org.uk or Tel. 01823 324 944
