Ynys Saff Sexual Assault Referral Centre
Cardiff Royal Infirmary
Glossop Road
Cardiff
CF24 0SZ
Tel: 02920 335795
Disabled Access: Yes
Website: http://cavuhb.nhs.wales/our-services/sexual-health/services-provided/ynys-saff-sexual-assault-referral-centre/
Summary
Ynys Saff or Safe Island Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) provides a 24-hour acute forensic service for anyone living within Cardiff and the Vale, Cwm Taf and Gwent. If you are unsure about whether to report to the police, a crisis worker will guide you through your options. Whether you are able to have a forensic examination will depend on when the assault occurred and what happened.
Depending on what you choose the processes will be different
- No Police involvement – samples and/or clothing is stored at SARC for 2 years to give you time to decide your options.
- Police involvement – the police will take your samples as part of the police process.
Whether you choose the self-referral or police route, you will be given access to a Forensic Nurse/Dr who will be able to assess your sexual health needs, provide emergency contraception, assess any injuries you may have because of the assault, including non- fatal strangulation and provide general psychological support. Their specially trained crisis workers are there to provide support throughout and ensure you are listened to every step of the process.
How to access the service?
They are available Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm for referrals, including self-referrals. Their office number is 02920 335795.
The out of hours service operates in the evening Monday to Friday 5.00pm to 9.00am. Crisis workers are also available during the weekend and Bank Holidays. Telephone 02920 335533 and ask to speak to the on-call crisis worker for SARC.
Ongoing Support
Ynys Saff has been developed in partnership with the Police, Health and Voluntary Services to ensure that survivors of sexual trauma receive the best ongoing care. Following your initial visit to Ynys Saff, they can refer you to New Pathways for ongoing support from the Independent Sexual Violence Advocate (ISVA). The role of the ISVA is to provide ongoing support through the criminal justice process or discuss your reporting options further. Alternatively, you can be referred to their in-house specialist counselling service.
Is this service available in Welsh?: The Health Board welcomes correspondence and telephone calls in Welsh or English. The website can also be translated into Welsh by clicking 'Cymraeg' on the desired webpage.
Out Of Hours Access Arrangements: The out of hours service operates in the evening Monday to Friday, 5.00pm to 9.00am. Crisis workers are also available during the weekend and Bank Holidays. Telephone 02920 335533 and ask to speak to the on-call crisis worker for SARC.
Last Updated: 01 May 2025 11:43 by NHS 111 Wales