MESARCH: Children and young people's study V1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Multi-disciplinary Evaluation of Sexual Assault Referral Centres for better Health (MESARCH): A longitudinal study of children and young people's journey after attending a SARC
IRAS ID
265220
Contact name
Lorna O'Doherty
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Coventry University
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
P94373, Coventry University Ethics
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 8 months, 31 days
Research summary
Sexual violence is any unwanted sexual act or activity, including though not limited to: rape, sexual assault, child sexual abuse, sexual harassment, rape within relationships, forced marriage, female genital mutilation, and sexual exploitation. Sexual violence affects people of all ages, backgrounds and genders. A Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) offers 24/7 medical care and psychological support, and a first point of contact for victims of sexual violence, whether the police are involved or not. SARCs are set up to support the wide range of needs and wishes of individuals, which is vital in the aftermath of such a devastating experience. There are now 47 SARCs in England. However, the true impact of SARCs is largely unknown, with a lack of evidence at a national level about the extent to which SARCs bring benefit to survivors/service users. The MESARCH project aims to evaluate whether the services provided through SARCs are effective.
This application is in relation to a sub-study conducted with children and young people (CYP). This will involve recruiting 40 CYP who have attended one of two paediatric SARCs between 1st August 2019 and 30th September 2020. CYP will be invited to take part in a 2 year longitudinal study. We will ensure any child or young person is carefully supported from recruitment and throughout the research process. The study will use fluid, creative and developmentally-appropriate ways of engaging young people and children to share their views and experiences of their journey since attending the SARC. This may involve engaging CYP through drawings, stimulus materials, and life narrative techniques. The output of the study will be increased knowledge of young survivor journeys through SARCs and health services, criminal justice system and the third sector – evidence which will be used to inform policy and practice across these sectors.REC name
West Midlands - Black Country Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/WM/0097
Date of REC Opinion
4 Jun 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion