Referrals to NHS sexual assault centres rise

The number of people being referred for specialist NHS support following rape or sexual assault has increased by nearly 18% in the last 2 years, NHS data suggests. NHS sexual assault referral centres – which provide free, specialist support to anyone across England who has been raped, sexually assaulted or abused – received over 26,000 referrals last year (26,374, January to December 2024), compared to 22,407 referrals in 2022. The rise follows national campaigns by the NHS to ensure more survivors are aware of the vital medical, practical and emotional support available, and to raise awareness of the roll-out of sexual assault referral centres among GPs.

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