The Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) is the first of its kind in the
county and was set up by Cambridgeshire Constabulary in partnership with
the NHS and Rape Crisis.
The centre, based at The Oasis, in Rivergate, Peterborough, is available
24/7 to victims by calling 0845 089 6262.
Minister for the East of England Barbara Follett said: "This centre is a
really peaceful, calm place which will help victims come to terms with the
traumatic events that brought them here. Victims of sexual abuse will
receive all the support they need, and we hope that, through coming to the
centre, more men and women will be encouraged to report these crimes, as
only a small per centage currently go to the police. Here, if they wish to,
victims can make a statement to the police and also undergo medical
examinations in the most dignified way possible.
"Sara Payne should have been here today but sadly she is very ill. Sara had
more right than almost anyone else I can think of to be here today. She is
our Victims Champion and the creation of this SARC has been shaped by
findings in a report she completed into the experiences of victims
following an attack.
"Sexual abuse can be psychologically intensely difficult and scarring, and
we want to make sure that what happens to them afterwards, the service they
receive to help them cope, works for them.
"The police and NHS have worked together to make this first SARC in the
East of England a reality. Well done."
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Hopkins, who attended today's launch, said:
"Ensuring rape and sexual assault victims get the best possible service and
all the support they need is an issue close to the force’s heart.
"The SARC offers a range of important medical, support and forensic
services which will assist the force and partner agencies."
Police set up the partnership project as part of the force's commitment to
ensure victims of rape and sexual assaults get the best service possible
and have all the support facilities possible to assist them.
Those who use the facilities are under no obligation to report their
incident to police but any forensic samples taken at the centre will be
kept on record in case they change their minds or to be used anonymously by
officers as intelligence on potential serial offenders.
Victims will also be given the opportunity to report their offence to a
specially trained officer (STO).
Detective Chief Inspector Melanie Dales, who is leading the project, said:
"The SARC will enable victims to use a range of services under one
roof.”
"This is part of the force's work to constantly improve the service
provided to victims of rape and sexual assaults.
"Although victims will not be under any obligation to report their assault
to police, those who consent to a medical examination will have samples
held on file in case they change their mind.
"The purpose of the centre is to make it easier for victims to get help by
having all of the services under one roof, as at the moment services are
spread across the county."
Angela Bailey, Chief Executive, NHS Peterborough, said: "Supporting and
safeguarding vulnerable people is a priority for NHS Peterborough and I am
pleased that we have been able to ensure that victims of rape and sexual
assault have access to the medical care, support and advice needed, in a
safe and secure environment.
"The dedicated Oasis centre in Peterborough will mean that more victims of
rape and sexual assault will feel able to come forward to access all the
support they need, whilst having the opportunity to assist police
investigations."
