The MESARCH Project
This project is being undertaken by Coventry University and our founder Gillian is a member of the Study Steering Committee.
The MESARCH project is evaluating SARCs (Sexual Assault Referral Centres) across England. These centres provide a crisis response to victims of sexual assault and rape including a forensic examination suite and victim/survivors can self-refer to such centres.
The research project is funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and Health Services and Delivery programme (HS&DR). The project seeks to understand the work that SARCs do, its impact and where their services sit within the broader context of supporting survivors of sexual violence. The study also addresses a gap in knowledge about long term support required and experiences of survivors of sexual abuse and violence; it will enable us to answer questions about the widespread impact of violence on health and wellbeing over time, along with a range of other outcomes considered important by those with Lived Experiences of sexual assault, rape and abuse.
The MESARCH Project - An introduction.
Conference About Mapping the SARCS in England - Our founder Gillian took part in the conference.
MESARCH Project Video - Those with Lived Experience are integral to the research project and there is a diverse group of individuals who are part of the research team. This short video was produced as part of a key online conference which was held on 12th May 2021. Participants are from the Lived Experience group and they explain how they have helped to shape the study in many positive and different ways.