Specialist Sex Attack Victim Care Honoured
Posted on March 19, 2008
Filed Under Press Releases
The News
Saturday, December 8, 2007
By Clare Semke Health reporter
HUNDREDS of sex attack victims have received more specialist support and care thanks to a unique centre in Portsmouth.
The Treetops Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Northern Road, Cosham – the only service of its kind in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight – has helped 370 people since opening a year ago.
And specialist help offered by staff has led to 35 suspects being charged with sex offences. A further 72 cases are still being investigated.
Now its work has been recognised with a special award.
The centre is a one-stop shop providing on-site crisis intervention, forensic medical examinations, and direction to appropriate medical services and counselling 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Funded by Portsmouth City Teaching Primary Care Trust and Hampshire Constabulary, and supported by Portsmouth City Council’s Early Intervention Team, Treetops has brought medics, staff, counsellors and outreach workers together under the same roof for the first time to help victims of rape or sexual abuse.
The centre was singled out by regional health bosses to receive an award for partnership working – its third accolade this year.
Centre manager Mary Bridgman said: ‘The big difference is that people can self-refer. Before people had to go to the police, or go for counselling somewhere like a rape crisis centre or their GP. They now have more of a choice. This isn’t about conviction rates, it’s about making the experience better for victims.
‘It’s about explaining the options that are open for them and taking some of the anxiety away.
‘People who self-refer can still have a forensic examination carried out by specially-trained doctors, provided it’s within a certain time period.
‘Samples are safely stored so that if somebody should decide to report their attack to the police it can be used at a later date.’
Inspector Fiona Voller, Hampshire Constabulary’s sexual offence investigation training co-ordinator, said: ‘Treetops provides a professional, victim-focused service, with access to a wide range of support and advice. The fact that it is away from police premises and is staffed by professionals who are dedicated to care, but who are also forensically and evidentially aware, is a great asset.’
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