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16/06/2004
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)
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)
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19 September 2008
'Safe Island' For Sexual Assault Victims Opens
A one-stop location where victims of sexual assault can receive medical care and counselling whilst assisting a police investigation was opened today in Cardiff by First Minister Rhodri Morgan and Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker. The Safe Island Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) is the twentieth SARC set up throughout England and Wales.
'Safe Island' For Sexual Assault Victims Opens
A one-stop location where victims of sexual assault can receive medical care and counselling whilst assisting a police investigation was opened today in Cardiff by First Minister Rhodri Morgan and Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker. The Safe Island Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) is the twentieth SARC set up throughout England and Wales.
09 March 2009
More Help Given To Victims Of Sexual Violence
More funding to help improve the emergency centres that help victims of sexual assault, was announced by Health Minister Ann Keen today. The National Support Team on Response to Sexual Violence will receive a £1.
More Help Given To Victims Of Sexual Violence
More funding to help improve the emergency centres that help victims of sexual assault, was announced by Health Minister Ann Keen today. The National Support Team on Response to Sexual Violence will receive a £1.
09 December 2011
Teacher Convicted For Pupils' Sex Assault
A former maths teacher has been convicted of the sexual assault of two former pupils dating back to the 1980s. Stephen Skelton, 63, a former maths teacher from Ealing Abbey was convicted at Isleworth Crown Court on two counts of sexual assault on two males, aged under 16 years at the time of the offences, in 1984 and 1993.
Teacher Convicted For Pupils' Sex Assault
A former maths teacher has been convicted of the sexual assault of two former pupils dating back to the 1980s. Stephen Skelton, 63, a former maths teacher from Ealing Abbey was convicted at Isleworth Crown Court on two counts of sexual assault on two males, aged under 16 years at the time of the offences, in 1984 and 1993.
21 October 2010
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A man who posed as a yoga expert as a ruse to sexually assault three women in their own homes has been sentenced to four years imprisonment and put on the Sex Offenders Register for life. Kyno Hunt, 32, from Enfield was found guilty in August at Wood Green Crown Court, of three offences of sexual assault relating to the three victims.
Fake Yoga Expert Jailed For Sexual Assault
A man who posed as a yoga expert as a ruse to sexually assault three women in their own homes has been sentenced to four years imprisonment and put on the Sex Offenders Register for life. Kyno Hunt, 32, from Enfield was found guilty in August at Wood Green Crown Court, of three offences of sexual assault relating to the three victims.
13 February 2014
Dave Lee Travis Cleared Of Indecent Assault
Dave Lee Travis has been cleared at his trial for indecent and sexual assault. Earlier on Thursday, the jury in the trial of the former BBC DJ had been instructed that a majority verdict would be accepted. This afternoon, the jury at Southwark Crown Court found the 68-year-old not guilty of 12 counts of indecent assault.
Dave Lee Travis Cleared Of Indecent Assault
Dave Lee Travis has been cleared at his trial for indecent and sexual assault. Earlier on Thursday, the jury in the trial of the former BBC DJ had been instructed that a majority verdict would be accepted. This afternoon, the jury at Southwark Crown Court found the 68-year-old not guilty of 12 counts of indecent assault.
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