Sexual assault referral centers for survivors of rape in Finland - A review of their development and support for survivors

In Finland, multidisciplinary sexual assault referral centers (SARCs) primarily serve victims of rape within one month of the incident. The services are offered at no cost and are available to individuals aged 16 and over, irrespective of sex or gender, and regardless of whether they decide to report the assault to the authorities. Services consist of medical and forensic examinations, trauma support and counselling. Follow-up and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases and potential pregnancy are included. Specialized services and standardized examination and follow-up protocols have increased the quality of forensic medical examination and samples. Trauma-informed psychosocial support services are available from the outset. Sensitive but active follow-up from the same place have improved the rape survivor’s recovery. This paper reviews the history of SARCs in Finland and the care they provide to survivors of sexual violence.