Our Timeline

1990's

Founded in 1994 by a group of local women after a woman was assaulted but had nowhere to go. This was the catalyst for ensuring people had someone to talk to and their helpline was born.

Humble beginnings and was totally run by volunteers. 

Sexual Violence and Rape was more of a taboo subject in 1994 and when SARAC first started it was an issue that hardly anyone spoke of. 

The volunteers that founded this amazing group found some makeshift rooms on station street and they decorated and provided furniture themselves.   

The first paid for role within the Charity was an administration role.  What a vital role this was.   

SARACS Reputation grew within Burton Upon Trent. The staff and volunteers helped to bring what was a taboo subject into the open.

2000's

Early 2000’s - We began to see more frequently testimonies in the local press of both women and men that spoke openly about the sexual violence that they had suffered, the pain and the trauma endured, but they also spoke about how SARAC had helped them as victims and or survivors of sexual abuse.

SARAC moved to its current anonymous premises in 2007

2017

2017 the offices were refurbished and for the first time they were able to provide 4 dedicated counselling rooms

2022

Fast forward to 2022 - SARAC today has a team of brilliant staff and volunteers with varying roles – they offer emotional support, counselling, ambassadors and admin.  

The staff and volunteers provide support to males and females aged over 11 including secondary survivors (friends and family).

At any time, SARAC has about 120 people receiving support per week and at the end of the year, some 300 clients will have received support from SARAC. One client said ‘It was good to be listened to, be heard and actually believed.’

Now volunteers give over 2500 hours of support per year

Great local support and collaboration especially in schools.  This work in schools is vital in supporting young people to respect one another, and allow them to come forward if they need support from the Charity.

Services also extended from the helpline to counselling, yoga and dance therapy and training and awareness sessions for adults and in schools.