Final decisions on the location of the new Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) will be taken once the business case process is complete.
The new SARC, a partnership between the DHSSPS and the PSNI, will be a specialist centre which will provide comprehensive and co-ordinated medical aftercare, forensic services and counselling for anyone who needs these services.
Building work is expected to start on the project by 2009, with the facility likely to open early in 2010.
Announcing the new service, Mr McGimpsey said: “This investment in a Sexual Assault Referral Centre is a key element in the effort to raise the standards of care for victims of sexual violence in Northern Ireland. My Department, along with the Northern Ireland Office, is currently finalising a regional strategy on Sexual Violence and this is just the start of a series of initiatives aimed at addressing the incidence and aftermath of these horrendous crimes.”
Commenting on the location, Michael McGimpsey added: “As a victim focused regional facility, one of the key benefits of the SARC will be the ability for people to self-refer. Access to the services and more importantly, equality of access is therefore a priority in determining the location. Antrim offers these key elements essential to the success of the SARC due to its central location and good road network and appears to be the most suitable site for this new regional facility.”
The SARC will work closely with Voluntary Sector Organisations to deliver a co-ordinated range of services to meet the individual needs of the victim.
Policing and Criminal Justice Minister Paul Goggins added: “Establishing a SARC is a significant step and will strengthen our response to the victims of rape and serious sexual assaults. Working in partnership with the voluntary sector, we can provide better support to the victims and survivors of sexual crime and bring those responsible to justice.”
Notes to Editors:
- The SARC is one of a number of proposals in the draft Sexual Violence Strategy “Hidden Crimes, Secret Pain” which was issued for public consultation in January 2007. Responses to the consultation are being taken forward in finalising the Strategy, due to be launched in March 2008.
- The first SARC opened at St. Mary’s Hospital in Manchester in 1986. There are currently 16 Sexual Assault Referral Centres throughout England and Wales with plans to have 40 in place by 2008. There are six Sexual Assault Treatment Units in the Republic of Ireland.
- A project group was set up in February 2007 to develop a SARC in Northern Ireland and includes professionals from medical, forensic and counselling fields as well as key representation from the voluntary/community sector, DHSSPS and PSNI.
- The new regional SARC will offer a range of services for victims of rape and sexual assault including immediate medical attention, forensic examination and support for victims in making contact with the appropriate agencies and organisations for services such as counselling, criminal procedures etc.
- The formal decision on the location remains subject to confirmation of the business case which is due to be completed by March 2008.
- The Project will cost in the region of £2million to build and kit out, and approximately £800,000 to run each year. Costs will be jointly met by DHSSPS and PSNI.
- Press enquiries to Jenny Magill at the DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0575 or 07833 668748. Out of hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
