An enhanced care approach for people with complex trauma accessing Sexual Assault Referral Centre care multiple times

Developing and evaluating a model

Chief Investigator	Institution	Dates	Funding Stream	Amount
Dr Louise Davey	University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust	01/03/2026 to 28/02/2027	Bristol and Weston Hospitals Charity Spring 2025	£24,254.00

Summary

The Bridge Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) offers trauma-informed medical, emotional and practical support across Avon and Somerset. Since 2011, 1246 individuals have received more than one episode of care from The Bridge; 255 have been supported 3-20 times. Clients supported following sexual re-victimisation report high levels of childhood and adult adversity, including homelessness and substance misuse and barriers to physical and mental health care. SARC staff describe awareness of these barriers and an emotional toll from providing brief support to people struggling with complex trauma in a system unable to provide effective onward care.

Recent NIHR funded SARC studies concluded that SARCs should develop care pathways for clients presenting with complex trauma, but no research or guidance exists on what these should look like. The Bridge SARC multi-disciplinary team identified this need locally and has been developing enhanced provision since 2023, drawing upon research into Emergency Department "High Impact User" care which evidences the need for an individualised, collaborative approach.

To develop the NIHR RfPB 200K (Tier 3) grant proposal for a multi-SARC study, the project will:

• Carry out a small qualitative study to assess the work done so far.
• Create a Lived Experience Advisory Group, building on earlier co-production work with local partners.
• Strengthen relationships with other SARCs, voluntary organisations, and researchers by attending conferences and sharing learning.

This research aims to help SARCs across the country better support people with complex trauma.