Sexual Assault Referral Centre helps three cases since launch
Guernsey’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre has already helped three cases since its launch.
Willow House officially opened its doors on 1 January and has already proven the need for the service in the island.
The Guernsey Press went behind the scenes at Willow House as the UK marks Sexual Abuse & Sexual Violence Awareness Week.
‘It was really hard to know what to predict because we have no idea what need is out there at the moment, still,’ said manager Charlie Cox.
‘We’ve had three cases through the referral centre since we launched, which were a mix of police referrals and self-referrals.
‘It’s been great working in partnership with the police, it’s a huge shift for them in terms of adding this service and replacing what it was before.’
The centre has 10 crisis workers, who work shifts to manage the helpline 24/7, alongside eight forensic examiners who can take evidence. The running costs for the centre are expected to be about £200,000 a year.
‘Everyone is from varied backgrounds but it’s mainly a mix of midwives and nurses,’ said forensic examiner Dominique Gardner. ‘The new facilities are amazing, it’s really welcoming, and it has a very homely feeling.’
Cases which come through the hotline are triaged and forensic examiners are contacted when required.
The island previously did not have any sexual forensic examiners and the team has been able to undertake training from a company which provides the majority of Sarcs in the UK.
The team also did an off-island trip to the UK to be in a Sarc for 48 hours and see how it operated.
‘It was good to watch what actually happens when you put it altogether because there was no one over here that we could shadow,’ said forensic examiner Katie Thomas.
The trauma-informed design of Willow House has ensured a welcoming and safe space for users without the property having a clinical feel.
The forensic examination room has been designed in the same way and is sterile and sealed until it needs to be used.
People who use the service can also be provided with emergency contraception, other screenings and referrals to other services that may be of use.
‘We’re here for people to contact us as soon as they feel ready to after something has happened,’ said Ms Cox.
‘Unfortunately with forensics there is a time scale, and so ideally the individual would visit within seven days, but we want people to call as soon as they feel able to.’
People will need to act quickly for the examination, but anything after that can be done in the individual’s own time when they feel ready.
The Sexual Assault Referral Centre’s helpline is 01481 227700. It is available 24/7 and staffed by trained crisis workers.
