Care centre for sex assault victims opened

More victims of sexual assault in the West Midlands will be able to receive care and counselling, and at the same time have the opportunity to help police investigations into offences, following the opening of the first Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) in Walsall.

The government-funded SARC will provide a 'one stop' location where victims of sexual assault can receive care and counselling. Victims also have the opportunity to participate in the forensic examination process, vital in many sexual assault prosecutions, or can choose to provide evidence anonymously if they prefer.

SARCS are being developed in police forces across the country following a joint inspection report by Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary (HMIC) and HMCPSI on the investigation of rape. Through the immediate provision of medical care and advice, SARCs can provide short and long term physical and mental health benefits.

The SARC, to be called 'The Rowan Centre', will be close to hospital premises in Ida Road in Walsall, and will include a self-contained examination suite, video interview facilities, counselling rooms and access to forensic medical examiners.

The service will initially be offered to all adult victims of rape and serious sexual assault within the Walsall metropolitan borough.

Solicitor General Harriet Harman said: "Later this month I'll be launching the new policy for the Crown Prosecution Service on prosecuting rape. Sentencing for rape is also coming under the spotlight, with the Attorney General and me referring cases to the Court of Appeal if the sentence is unduly lenient, and the Sentencing Advisory Panel considering a new sentencing regime for sexual offences."

Chief Superintendent Paddy Mulligan, from West Midlands Police, said: "The priority at the Rowan Centre is victim care. Once a victim has reported an offence, we will ensure they are cared for promptly, with empathy, and that all the necessary expertise and resources are to hand."

Caz Minter, from Crisispoint, believes the new centre will offer a level of anonymity for victims that hasn't previously been available.

She said: "The formality of a police station can often be too intimidating after such a traumatic experience, but experience of other SARCs across the country has shown that with the right support and specialist services, more rapes than ever are being reported to the police."

(gmcg)