‘You don’t have to go to court to report abuse’
PRACTICAL support for victims of sexual abuse is available through Guernsey Police, whether that be through the help of trained officers or referrals to Victim Support.
Chief Inspector Julie Palmer said it was important to listen to the victim throughout the process.
‘Sexual assault is a really significant and serious crime. We have to be very sensitive in these cases and listen to victims – the victim has to maintain control themselves.’
She said the police encouraged victims of sexual abuse to press charges in court so perpetrators could be brought justice, but it was the choice of the victim.
‘You don’t necessarily have to go through the whole court process if you just want to report it and not take it any further,’ she said.
‘There are qualified and trained officers who undergo specific training – they are not trained counsellors but offer as much support and empathy as they can. They can make referrals to Victim Support which offers exclusive services for victims.’
Dealing with sexual offences was a multi-agency response, which included support from the Public Protection Unit which helps a range of vulnerable people and children in the community, CID officers trained in dealing with sexual offences, and the Community Advisory Group, which allows the police to gain feedback from the local community.
‘It’s a two-way discussion between the community and law enforcement,’ Chief Inspector Palmer said.
‘It is made to be a community response to it.
‘We have in-house policies in place for how we deal with domestic abuse, including sexual abuse.’
The opening of a Sexual Assault Referral Clinic, Sarc, where victims could report incidents in a safe environment, is also supported by Guernsey Police.
CI Palmer said: ‘We would welcome the SARC – I think it would be a great service to the island.
‘[Victims] then can make an informed decision on whether they want police involvement, so we would be very supportive of it.’
