Somerset and Avon Rape and Sexual Abuse Support service (SARSAS)

The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) helps to fund the Somerset and Avon Rape and Sexual Abuse Support service (SARSAS) that provides specialist support for local people who have experienced sexual violence at any point in their lives.

The Avon and Somerset Sexual Violence Alliance

The Avon & Somerset Sexual Violence Alliance (‘The Alliance’) is comprised of organisations that provide therapeutic and specialist support services to survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse across the region. People can self-refer or professionals can use a referral form on the website.

Somerset and Avon Rape and Sexual Abuse Support offers: 

• A confidential helpline
• Regular support group sessions
• One-to-one specialist support for those who have difficulties accessing services and people with learning disabilities
• Counselling and email support 
• Training and advice for professionals
• Support for friends and family of people who experienced sexual violence.

The service offers support with current and historical crime.

Who can use the service?

The service is available to those living in:

• Bath and North East Somerset
• Bristol
• North Somerset
• Somerset
• South Gloucestershire

Available to both those who report to the police and those who do not.