Sexual Assault Referral Centre ‘cannot happen soon enough’

There were 126 sexual offences reported to police in 2021, only two of which resulted in a prison sentence. Two others are still ongoing.

Deputy Yvonne Burford was among deputies pushing for the establishment of a SARC.

‘Many victims of rape and sexual assault do not want to involve the police,' she said.

‘This can be for a variety of reasons but its clear that the vanishingly low chances of achieving a conviction play a big part.'

A pilot scheme for the centre is due to start in 2023, and is a listed priority in the Government Work Plan.

It would provide facilities to store samples, whether or not a survivor wishes to pursue police action, help with safeguarding and offer the best possible opportunity for law enforcement to recover evidence.

‘Victims are often traumatised and need other help and support which an independent, trained service can give to assist them to heal both physically and mentally.

‘The SARC will also be able to gather forensic evidence to store, in the event that the victim later decides to press charges,’ said Deputy Burford.

The absence of a SARC and a crisis helpline has been identified as a ‘critical gap’ in Guernsey’s response to sexual violence, outlined in the Justice Review Report.

‘The SARC can’t happen soon enough,' Deputy Burford said.

‘I know that it is a priority for Home Affairs and I look forward to updates on progress very soon. There is certainly a willingness in the third sector to help this project become reality.’

Victim and Witness Support Guernsey said the centre would allow victims to receive support while not being pressured to report incidents to law enforcement.

It said that while support services were available, there was no comfortable and multifunctional facility through which a full range of resources can be offered to a victim of sexual crime.