Saint Mary's Centre Sexual Assault Referral Centre

Proud this of our wonderful SARC doctors who also work in Emergency Care. They were part of the working group that helped develop these important guidelines.

On , we recognise and thank everyone across emergency medicine for the skill, compassion and resilience they bring to patients every day — often in the most challenging circumstances

We’re proud to work alongside colleagues in emergency medicine to develop guidance that promotes joined-up, person-centred care for people in crisis, helping services work together to provide safer, more compassionate and more effective care when it matters most

We welcome today’s ruling by the Advertising Standards Authority on misleading claims made by a DNA self‑swab kit company about the reliability and evidential value of its products.

The decision reinforces concerns long raised by the FFLM, National Police Chiefs'​ Council, R**e Crisis England & Wales, and more than 30 organisations working in the sexual‑harm sector.

Self‑swab kits risk giving survivors false reassurance and may undermine access to proper forensic examination and specialist support. Victims deserve holistic, trauma‑informed care from a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) — not inaccurate claims that deny them agency, mislead their decision‑making, or jeopardise their ability to seek support and justice.

Read our full statement here: https://tinyurl.com/ykbkhzt2

Woman threatened with legal action by self-swab r**e kit firm, MP claims A woman was told she would face damage to her “personal reputation … career prospects … and future opportunities” if she continued posting about Enough, Conservative MP Alicia Kearns said

Last week, our very own Denise, Consultant Paediatrician at SARC was invited by The Royal Family to Buckingham Palace for a Garden Party. Denise spoke with the Duchess of Gloucester about the Queen’s interest in VAWG and met with people from SARCs across the UK!

Denise said
"I was given the opportunity to attend the garden party on Wed 6th May.

Several other SARCs were represented and all of the ladies who went were lovely.

Great fun. We were in the Royal tent which made it extra special.

Didn’t eat any of the food because I didn’t want a mouthful or stuff in my teeth if I spoke to a royal!

I had a nice chat with the Duchess of Gloucester about the Queen’s interest in violence against women and girls.

It all went by very quickly but it was a really nice way to mark the end of my career."

Denise will be retiring from the SARC in around 2 weeks time and we're all going to miss her and her wonderful enthusiasm and energy so much! Congratulations Denise ❤️

Saint Mary's SARC - SARC Demystified Course and Ano-Gen Course Tickets Still Available! - https://mailchi.mp/0de1cdfeb0b7/2026conferencesarc-17338419

SARC Demystified is a practical one-day course designed to give doctors and other healthcare professionals the confidence to manage patients who have experienced r**e or sexual assault, within their own clinical roles and workplaces.

More info & Booking:
https://www.stmaryscentre.org/professionals/sexual-assault-training-courses-and-events/sarc-demystified-helping-you-support-patients-after-sexual-assault

SAFEPlace Merseyside in Liverpool are having their first Online Open Morning.

This Free Event will provide an insight into what a SARC is and how to refer in to us.

The online event will take place from 10:00 - 11:30 on May 7th.

More info & Booking:
https://www.stmaryscentre.org/professionals/sexual-assault-training-courses-and-events/safeplace-merseyside-open-morning

We're so excited for our Conference and it's only a month away!

There are still limited tickets available so get in touch and book now to avoid disappointment.

Info & Booking: https://stmaryscentre.org/professionals/sexual-assault-training-courses-and-events/saint-marys-centre-annual-conference-2026-shared-vision-reflecting-40-years-sarcs-responding-sexual-violence-and-shaping-future

We're seeking a passionate and dedicated person to join our SARC team as a Advanced Pathfinder Worker.

If you're interested in finding out more please click the link below.

https://www.penninecare.nhs.uk/jobs #!/job/v7837112

Interested in learning more about being a Forensic Medical Examiner? Or are you keen to hone the skills you have? Check out our prestigious FMERSA course. We're currently taking applications for 2026.

More info: https://stmaryscentre.org/professionals/sexual-assault-training-courses-and-events/forensic-and-medical-examinations-r**e-and-sexual-assault-course-fmersa-2026

or email [email protected]