The Police Force and its partners have a “first class” facility for victims of rape and sexual assault, according to a review carried out by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO).

The Home Office’s National Support Team (NST) for Response to Sexual Violence also noted that the SARC has contributed to the improvement in the initial response to the investigation of rape.

The SARC  based at Crawley Hospital – is accessible 24/7 for police referrals and has recently opened a second medical examination room.

Operational since January 2009, the facility was praised within both reports which examined all aspects of Sussex Police’s handling of rape investigations, from the moment an offence is first reported.

The ACPO review recognised that there is an “unusually strong and comprehensive emphasis on rape prevention in the Force” and added: “It is clear that much work has been done and is planned by the Force and its partners.”

It went on to say the Force has a “sound and established framework” for its work on serious sexual offences, and had “strong and effective” partnership arrangements with both statutory and voluntary agencies.

The NST commended the full engagement of key partners and was “impressed by the motivation, commitment and hard work that has evidently been put into the development of the SARC”.

When there is a report of a rape, a specially-trained police officer will take the victim to the Saturn Centre, where they are met by a trained Rape Crisis Support Worker who as well as providing reassurance and comfort will give a brief overview of what happens at the SARC. The victim will then be medically examined if appropriate, be given the opportunity to provide an interview or statement to police, and linked in with other key services such as counselling and sexual health – all at one location.

The SARC is managed by a multi-agency board comprising Sussex Police, West Sussex, East Sussex and Brighton and Hove Primary Care Trusts, and the three local authorities. It is also funded jointly by these seven organisations.

The centre not only provides high quality care for victims but improved forensic evidence which has the potential to bring more offenders to justice, increased reporting because of the high level of support offered to victims and access to intelligence from self-referrals.

Detective Inspector Alison Eaton, from the Forces Specialist Investigations Branch, said: “We’re delighted that The Saturn Centre has been officially recognised for the first class service that’s provided to victims of rape and sexual assault”.

“The reviews that have been carried out highlight a number of areas where Sussex Police demonstrates good practice when dealing with this particularly sensitive crime. We are determined to continue to improve victim care together with our investigations and will take on board the recommendations that have been made.”

* Article taken from Sussex police web site (www.sussex.police.uk)

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The Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), called the Saturn Centre, is based at Crawley Hospital. Since September it has provided valuable support to 84 men and women, who have made reports of sexual assault to police.

When there is a report, a specially-trained police officer will take the victim to the Saturn Centre, where they are met by an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor who will give a brief overview of what happens at the SARC, reassure and comfort them. The victim will then be medically examined by a woman doctor, be given the opportunity to provide a statement to police, and be given information to access other local services – all at one location.

From the official launch, anyone can refer themselves to the service if they need support and advice but do not want the police involved, including having forensic samples taken anonymously. If they decide to report to the police at a later stage, the relevant evidence will be available. People who self refer can phone the Saturn Centre during office hours on 01293 600469 or leave a message out of hours.

The SARC, which aims to provide the best quality of supportive services to victims of sexual assault, is led by Sussex Police with West Sussex Primary Care Trust, and in partnership with West Sussex County Council’s Worth Service and the Life Centre at Chichester. Part of the new service is the availability of a specialist dedicated support worker, who is part of Worth Services.

It is hoped that the new centre will not only provide high quality care for victims but improved forensic evidence which will have the potential to bring more offenders to justice, increased reporting because of the high level of support offered to victims and access to intelligence from self-referrals.

The number of reported sex offences has decreased, whilst detections have increased in the year 2007/8 compared to 2006/7. With regard to rape cases that have proceeded to court, there was almost double the number of successful rape cases compared to unsuccessful rape cases.

Chief Constable Martin Richards said: “I believe that victims of sexual assault, who use the services of the SARC, will have more confidence in the investigation and criminal justice process, making victims less likely to withdraw complaints and therefore more likely to see justice.”

Detective Inspector Alison Eaton, from the Specialist Investigations Branch of Sussex Police, said: “The Saturn Centre provides a high standard of victim care, offering services to both female and male victims (14 years or over) of rape and sexual assault, fulfilling the victim’s right to personal integrity, privacy and dignity.

“In real terms, this means that the SARC provides an integrated service where the victims of such offences can have their various medical, forensic, advice and support needs met quickly and sympathetically. All the services needed are under the same roof. In addition, a number of female doctors have been specifically recruited to undertake the forensic medical examinations and will work closely with specially trained police officers and the support workers.”

Kevin Davies, Head of Specialist Business Unit for West Sussex Primary Care Trust, said: “We welcome this partnership with Sussex Police and West Sussex County Council, to enable such a vital service for people, not just in this area but across the whole of Sussex. Already it has helped more than 80 people and it has only been opened for four months; this shows just how important this service is going to be.

“By nature, this is an extremely sensitive issue and all we can do to help and support people affected by sexual assault needs to be done. We are particularly pleased that this service, offers not only immediate help, but also ongoing support such as counselling. It is indeed joint work across the agencies.”

Peter Evans, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said: “This new unit will provide additional support for victims and build on the support for domestic violence victims available from our WORTH – Ways of Responding Through Health Services.”

More information about SARC can be found in local doctors’ surgeries and sexual health clinics across Sussex. The centre is opened Monday to Friday 9-5pm, and messages can be left out of hours on 01293 600469.