1. Information for Professionals
A Guide to Services at the Saturn centre SARC- sussex

2. Self referral: 24/7 risk assessed service (generally booked 0800-2000)
Accessing the SARC
Police referrals & Self referrals are accepted
The client has the choice to enter our service through their preferred route.
24 hour helpline:
Police referral: 24/7
Access to the SARC to be arranged through our call centre
(before attending the SARC)
Self referral: 24/7 risk assessed service (generally booked ) /
Non police involvement, can switch to police referral at any point, samples are stored at the SARC for 2 years.

3. Forensic Nurse Examiner – FNE Crisis/Support worker
Who Works in the SARC?
Forensic Nurse Examiner – FNE
Gathers medical evidence to assist in the prosecution. Responsible for writing statements on request and presenting evidence in court.
To provide a therapeutic role and organise medical care to ensure safety and well being of individual.
Crisis/Support worker
Assists the FNE in their examinations and acts as an advocate for the client.
SARC Manager
Involved in all management aspects of the SARC & is forensically trained.

4. Police Referrals
Police will ring the Call Centre to organise an appointment time
The FNE will give advice to the Police if needed
A strategy discussion will be organised for all under 16’s and vulnerable adults prior to attendance
FNE and Support Worker will be contact to attend the SARC
FNE and Support Worker arrive at the Saturn Centre to open up and put the kettle on!
Support Worker will meet and greet the Client and accompanying Police
The first account is relayed to the FNE and Support worker by Police
A forensic strategy will be agreed

5. Self Referrals
Anyone can contact us in the office for advice and to speak to an FNE Mon- Fri 9/5
There is a 24 hour help line for advice
Our website has a contact page to us for advice
We have facebook and Twitter Accounts for information about the service
We will try and arrange a convenient appointment time for clients, normally between 08:00 – 20:00
Our Call Centre will ensure that there are no Police cases referred to the SARC during the time of a self referral appointment

6. What Happens in an Examination?
We will assess the capacity, mental health incl. need for an Appropriate Adult and intoxication levels of the client
Our consent form will be explained and we will obtain consent from the client to proceed
An appropriate medical history will be taken including details of the clients health since the assault
Pregnancy testing
Top to toe examination for injuries (abrasions, lacerations, bruises)
Photograph and document injuries on body maps
Still images / videos of injuries taken with the colposcope
Non-intimate / intimate samples are taken
At all times during the examination the dignity and comfort of our clients is paramount

7. Forensic Sampling- The longevity of sperm
Site, longevity & Swab sites
Other items to potentially seize
Mouth - 2 days (Peri-oral & mouth swabs)
Skin- 2 days (Prolonged skin contact / drainage)
Anus- 3 days (7 days perianal- vaginal intercourse)
Vagina- 7 days
Cervix- 7 days
48 hours post digital assault (vaginal/anal)
Toothbrush
Tampons
Sanitary Pads
Condoms
Underwear
Toilet Paper
Couch Cover from examination
Clients Gown

8. Toxicology Blood Urine Amphetamine 12 hours 1-2 days Cannabis
Depends on pattern of use
Cocaine
18 hours
2-3 days
Ecstasy
GHB
6 hours
Morphine
Hair Samples are taken > 28 days

9. Aftercare A wash bag filled with toiletries Towels Gowns Clothing
Aftercare offered to our clients:
Every client is offered a shower post examination, we have available:
HIV Risk assessments- HIV PEP offered (Post Exposure Prophylaxis) <72 hours post exposure. Clients receive a 5 day TTO pack and are referred to Sexual Health by the SARC for an urgent appointment
Post Coital Contraception (Levonelle / Ella One)
STI discussions/ precautions
Referrals to appropriate services incl. Sexual Health, ISVA etc.
A wash bag filled with toiletries
Towels
Gowns
Clothing
Shoes

10. Referrals that may be made:
GUM (Sexual health clinic local to the client)
Social services (All <18, vulnerable, at risk)
GP / School nurse/ health visitor
Mental health team/worker
ISVA (Independent sexual violence advisor)
IDVA (Independent domestic violence advisor)
Other charities/organisations that might be relevant
Counselling services

11. Clients seen at the Saturn Centre
We see all genders and all ages. (14-100)
A FNE (nurse) will see cases aged 14 years and over both sexually active and non sexually active.
In August 2016 we saw 32 cases: 29 female, 3 male, and 3 were self-referral.
In September 2016 we saw 47 cases: 44 female, 3 male, 8 were self -referrals.
In October 2016 we saw 23 cases: 22 female, 1 male, 2 were self-referrals
The majority of cases we see in the SARC, however we do occasionally do examinations at other sites if the clients needs require us to do so. We have seen clients in nursing homes, private home, secure units, prisons and hospitals.

12. Domestic Abuse & Sexual Assault
According to the Office for National Statistics (2015) 19% of women suffer sexual assault who have reported domestic abuse while 3.8% of men have experienced it. This is a percentage of the estimated 4.5 million female victims and million male victims age 16-59
There were 88,106 police recorded sexual offences in the year ending March 2015, an increase of 37% compared with the previous year
Within the overall increase, the number of offences of rape increased by 41% to 29,234, and the number of other sexual offences increased by 35% to 58,872
This increase is thought to be linked to a number of high profile reports and inquiries which have raised public awareness and resulted in police forces reviewing and improving their recording practices
(Office of national statistic 2015.)

13. Any Questions?
If you feel that your service would benefit from a presentation from our Team at the Saturn Centre, or you would like further information about our service please call our office to discuss:
Mon- Fri: 9/5 on
Or by -
All images are credited to flaticon authors