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Help and support for victims of sexual abuse


This is a difficult and worrying time for everyone – but particularly so for any adults and children subjected to sexual abuse. Please remember that help and support is available if you need it.

The Devon and Cornwall Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) remain open during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The SARC offer medical, practical and emotional support and have specially trained NHS doctors, nurses and support workers to care for you. The SARC advice line is still fully functioning and available 24/7. Call on 0300 303 4626, or visit the SARC website.

Additionally, Stop It Now offer confidential support for those who are worried about their or someone else’s sexual thoughts/behaviour. Visit the Stop It Now website or call 0808 1000 900.

Information on how to protect children from child sexual abuse is available on the Parents Protect website, while the NSPCC’s PANTS rule provides simple and clear messages that are easy for children to understand.

In an emergency, call the police on 999.


Help and support for domestic abuse is available here.

Guidance for practitioners about how to manage the risk of sexual abuse during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is available here.


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