SARAC

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Sexual Abuse R**e Advice Centre (SARAC) is a Burton-upon-Trent based charity offering free, independe

04/11/2026

The 16 Days of Activism Campaign Against Gender-Based Violence begins on 25th November and ahead of the launch of this year’s campaign, we want to talk about something that sits at the very heart of it: consent.

We know that conversations around consent can feel uncomfortable, but they are some of the most important ones we can have. Because when we truly understand what consent means, we help create a world where everyone feels safer.

The reality is that consent is still widely misunderstood. Research suggests that 1 in 10 people in the UK are still unclear on what constitutes consent. 38% of people believe that a person is partially responsible for being sexually assaulted if they were drunk. And in relationships where coercive control is present, consent is rarely freely given.

Behind every one of those statistics is a real person and a real experience. That is why we will never stop talking about this.

Consent must be freely given, enthusiastic and clear. It cannot be assumed, pressured or taken. Every single time, without exception.

To anyone who has experienced sexual violence, please know that what happened to you was not your fault. You are not alone and support is available.

Feel free to reach out; we’re here to listen. 💜

28/10/2026

Wondering what support at SARAC actually looks like? Here's a rough idea of the journey.

We don't have a magic wand, but we do provide safety, space and the tools to help you move forward.

You reach out.
Your experience with us is trauma-informed throughout, meaning we take steps to reduce the risk of re-traumatisation.

You complete a referral.
This first step is often the hardest, and we know it takes courage. The referral process is completed at your pace, with no pressure to share more than you're ready to.

We build a plan together.
Everyone's needs are different. We do our best to match each client with a counsellor who can help build trust from the start.

Ongoing support.
You're not just a one-off appointment. We offer different pathways to meet your needs as they change.

You choose what happens next.
Whether that's continuing support, taking a break, or returning later, the decision is always yours.

You lead the way.
We work at your pace and focus on your priorities, while maintaining professional boundaries and supporting your safety.

Support is free, confidential and trauma-informed, whoever you are.

22/10/2026

Who doesn’t love a shopping bargain? 👀✨

Join us for a fabulous Fundraising & Fashion event hosted by Fishers Solicitors and SOS Charity Fashion Shows, in support of SARAC!

With up to 75% off your favourite brands, it’s the perfect opportunity to treat yourself, refresh your wardrobe and support a cause that makes a real difference in our community. 💜

👗 What you need to know:
📅 Monday 9th November
⏰ 5:30pm–8:30pm
📍 Ashby Rugby Club
🎟️ Just £6 per ticket!

Every bit of support helps SARAC continue our work supporting survivors of sexual abuse and sexual violence. 💜

🎫 Ready to shop for a good cause? Contact Aaliyah at Fishers Solicitors to secure your place:

📧 [email protected]
📞 01530 412167

Tag your shopping partner, spread the word and come along for an evening of fashion, bargains and fundraising! 🛍️✨

21/10/2026

If someone tells you they've been abused, what you say next matters.

You don't need the perfect words. You need to listen, believe them and let them lead.

Say:
"Thank you for trusting me."
"I believe you."
"This is not your fault."
"You don't have to go through this alone."

Avoid:
"Why didn't you tell someone sooner?"
"Are you sure?"
"What were you wearing/drinking?"

Even asked gently, these can sound like blame – abuse is never the fault of the victim.

Follow their lead. Don't push them to report or take action before they're ready, just ask what they need.

You don't need all the answers. Let them know support is there, and help them find it if they want it.

SARAC is here. Free, confidential and trauma-informed.

'tJudge

14/10/2026

This is your community, and your voice matters 🫵

We are asking for your support in completing this short survey to help us better understand what you feel is needed when it comes to addressing sexual violence in our town.

The survey will take approximately 5 minutes to complete. The questions have been designed using a trauma-informed approach, and all responses are completely anonymous.

Thank you for taking the time to contribute and help shape support within our community.

14/10/2026

We want to say a huge THANK YOU to the team who recently hiked a whopping 21 miles to raise money for SARAC.

Starting at their office at Pride Park they trecked all the way to their main office in Ashby, sacrificing their weekend off to support the important work that we do.

Your dedication and commitment have made such a huge difference to our little charity; and we couldn't be prouder of the team!

Thank you to all you.

10/10/2026

Today is World Mental Health Day and this year's global theme is "Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change."

At SARAC, this theme resonates deeply with everything we do. We know that behind every statistic is a real person with a real story, and that meaningful change only happens when those voices are truly heard and acted upon.

The link between sexual violence and mental health is profound and far reaching. Survivors of sexual violence are 3 times more likely to experience depression. Additionally, 70% of people who have experienced sexual violence report significant impacts on their mental health. And yet, people who have experienced trauma are significantly less likely to seek mental health support due to fear of not being believed.

That last point is one we take very seriously at SARAC. Fear should never be a barrier to getting the support you deserve.

This World Mental Health Day we want every survivor to know:

Your experience is valid.
Your voice matters.
You are not alone.

Real change starts with real voices, and we are committed to ensuring that the people we support are at the heart of everything we do, from the way we design our services to the way we show up for our community every single day.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Feel free to reach out; we're here to listen. 💜

09/10/2026

See it. Say it. Stop it.

Every night, people working in hospitality, taxis, retail, events and other late-night settings see things others might not.

A person who looks uncomfortable.
Someone being followed.
A comment that crosses a line.
Unwanted attention that just keeps going.

But would you know what to do?

You don’t have to be a hero.
You don’t have to know the whole story.
You just need to know how to recognise a concern — and what you can do next.

Changes to the Employment Rights Act 2025 come in to force at the end of this month raising the legal duty for employers from taking "reasonable steps" to taking "all reasonable steps" to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace.

Is your workplace meeting expectations?

Get in touch today to speak to us about our training, developed for, and aimed specifically at those working across the Night-Time Economy.

[email protected]

07/10/2026

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and this year we want to shine a light on something that is often overlooked: the deeply connected link between domestic abuse and sexual violence.

For many survivors, these two experiences do not exist separately. Sexual violence is frequently used as a tool of power and control within abusive relationships, and the statistics reflect just how common this is.

Around 45% of women who experience domestic abuse also experience sexual violence within that relationship. Sexual violence is used as a form of coercive control in up to 40% of domestic abuse cases.

These numbers represent real people and real experiences, and it is important that we talk about this openly and without shame.

We also want to acknowledge that domestic abuse and sexual violence affect men too. Male survivors can face additional barriers when it comes to speaking out, including stigma, fear of not being believed and a lack of visible support. We want every male survivor to know that their experience is valid, they deserve support and they will be believed here.

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, you are not alone and what is happening to you is not your fault. You deserve to be safe and you deserve to be supported.

There are people who can help:

SARAC
If you have experienced sexual violence, our team is here for you. You will be believed and you will not be judged. Feel free to reach out; we're here to listen.
Visit: www.sarac.org.uk

National Domestic Abuse Helpline
Free and confidential support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Call: 0808 2000 247
Visit: www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk

You do not have to face this alone. Help is out there and you are worthy of every bit of it. 💜

30/09/2026

Female Empowerment: Small-Group Sessions for Women and Girls

Every day, girls navigate pressures around how they should look, act, and be seen, often without a space to properly talk it through. That's where we come in.

Discussion-led. Scenario-based. No lectures.

Our small group sessions use real-world scenarios to get girls talking honestly and thinking critically, guided by a trained facilitator rather than lectured at. It's a space to question, disagree, and reach their own conclusions.

We cover gender stereotypes, sexting, media influences, body image, healthy relationships, the bystander effect, sexual harassment, peer-on-peer abuse, gender equality and sexual assault, helping girls build the confidence to challenge expectations and speak up for themselves and each other.

Ready to book a session? Get in touch, we'd love to talk it through with you. Please contact [email protected] for more information.

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Address

Burton Upon Trent

Telephone

+441283517185

Website

https://www.sarac.org.uk/

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