Mixed Methods Study of SARCs (MiMoS), version 1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Effectiveness of Sexual Assault Referral Centres with regard to Mental Health and Substance Use:A National Mixed Method Study
IRAS ID
238240
Contact name
E.C. Hughes
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Leeds
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Sexual assault referral centres (SARCs) are specialised services for the treatment of people who have experienced sexual assault. In recognition of the psychological impact of sexual assault, SARCs may deliver psychological and emotional support or refer/signpost to other agencies in the local area. Mental ill health and substance use are common among people who attend SARCs. For example, approximately 40% of SARCs attendees are estimated to have a mental health problem. Despite this, there is limited evidence regarding the mental health and substance use needs of people who attend SARCs, what works for whom in what context and where resources could be best allocated to obtain maximum benefit.
This study is part of a wider mixed-methods project exploring the effectiveness of SARCs for mental health and substance use. The study aims to identify how many people attending SARCs have a substance use or mental health difficulty, what services and referral pathways are provided by SARCs, and to explore satisfaction with care, barriers to access and gaps in provision, as well as comparing different forms of mental health treatment received following a sexual assault.
To do this, we have identified 6 SARCS who we will recruit from to undertake the following activities: (1) a survey of SARC attendees with questionnaires of mental health, substance use and quality of life at two time points: shortly after SARC attendance and again 6 month later; (2) Case studies of 6 SARCS, including interviews and focus groups with service users, SARC staff and other stakeholders, and an analysis of SARC documentation (e.g. policies, protocols) related to mental health and substance use provision; (3) An historical cohort study of the clinical outcomes of people who receive different models of psychological treatment from either a SARC or a mental health service.REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/NW/0663
Date of REC Opinion
6 Dec 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion