Investigating service utilisation and outcomes of children under the age of 13 who have been referred to a Sexual Assault Referral Centre: Childlight - Mountain Healthcare service evaluation collaboration

This service evaluation investigates patterns of service utilisation, clinical care, and safeguarding processes for children under 13 years old referred to Mountain Healthcare, the largest provider of Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) services in England. Using routinely collected pseudonymised data between 2022 and January 2026, this evaluation explores demographic characteristics, vulnerability factors, referral sources, case types, STI testing practices and outcomes, pregnancy testing and emergency contraception provision, and regional variations in referrals. Statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics, chi square tests and logistic regression, will be used to examine trends, risk factors, and predictors of clinical outcomes.
The primary aim is to understand how services are currently functioning for victims/survivors under 13 years of age and inform improvements in clinical pathways and safeguarding responses. This work represents the first analysis of Mountain Healthcare’s electronic healthcare system data, with potential to influence internal service development as well as broader regional and national SARC evaluation practices. In line with Health Research Authority guidance, this project is categorised as a service evaluation: it uses existing data, does not introduce new interventions, and aims to assess and improve current service delivery. Findings will be disseminated to Mountain Healthcare and may be shared through academic publications, conference presentations, and policy briefs.