A new £300,000 centre to help people who have been raped or sexually assaulted has opened in Leicester today (Fri 4 March).
The Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) replaces an existing facility - Juniper Lodge - which has been helping victims of sexual offences since 1999.
The new facility has three medical suites, three video interview suites, a photographic studio, a multi-agency meeting room, support suite with relaxation facilities, a family lounge and office accommodation.
One of the rooms also has a live video link where victims can give evidence in comfort and prevent further trauma by having to attend court.
Jointly funded by NHS England (£225,000) and Leicestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Sir Clive Loader (£75,000), the new SARC will retain the existing name Juniper Lodge.
Sir Clive said: “The physical and emotional trauma that victims of rape and sexual assault experience can be devastating and lead to life changing consequences. Whatever help and support they need, we have a responsibility to ensure they get it.
“Juniper Lodge has been a haven in times of desperate need for so many people since it opened almost 20 years ago. But the time was right to provide a better, more modern facility which caters for the needs of victims.
“I believe this new facility will significantly improve the services that all agencies working with victims of rape and sexual assault provide.”
Detective Superintendent Jon Brown from Leicestershire Police said the new SARC would offer a safe, secure and comfortable environment for victims along with state-of-the-art facilities to protect what he describes as ‘forensic integrity.’
He said: “Advances in forensics and the use of DNA mean it is really important that we protect potential forensic evidence. This facility enables us to do this but also specialist staff will be on hand to offer a range of information, help and support during a very difficult time.”
Victims do not have to report the crime to the police to receive help and they can contact the SARC by telephone to make an appointment. Any forensic evidence which is available can then be gathered and kept until the victim decides whether or not they want to involve the police.
Det Supt Brown added: “That can be the following week, in six months or five years. And crucially, once any forensic examination is done, the victim does not have to go through that ordeal again.”
Anthony Nichols, Head of Health and Justice at NHS England (North Midlands), said: “Sexual assault is a horrendous crime and demands extreme care and sensitivity in helping victims and their families come forward and report it. This new facility will provide a discreet and caring environment to enable this, providing the comprehensive support they need.”
The building’s location is kept deliberately secret to protect victims and its facilities have been designed, decorated and furnished with them in mind. Much of the interior design has been done by Next which also donated furnishings.
Anyone that wants free and confidential service can call Juniper Lodge on 0116 273 3330 or visit their website at www.juniperlodge.org.uk
Posted on Monday 9th May 2016