The Treetops Centre

Rape: Short Word Long Sentence

admin — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 12:18:53 +0000

‘Rape – Short Word, Long Sentence’ is aimed at young people between the ages of 14 and 21 years highlighting the vulnerability of young people when drinking alcohol and the issues around consent. It has been produced by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Sexual Assault Referral Centre – The Treetops Centre.

The DVD will be shown in conjunction with the Hampshire Constabulary presentation – ‘Keeping Safe’, which explains the law as well as why this group is vulnerable to sexual assault. The aim of this film is to dispel the myths and identify to young people what the real risks are and how to keep themselves safe.

Young Men Targeted in Hampshire Anti-Rape Campaign

admin — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 11:15:04 +0000

Did you know that most reported rapes involve two people who know each other? A new hard-hitting anti-rape campaign warning young men about the dangers of crossing the line when it comes to sex has been launched in time for the party season by Hampshire Constabulary.

The Don’t Cross the Line campaign (www.dontcrosstheline.co.uk) is primarily targeted at 16 – 24 year old guys who make up the majority of offenders of ‘acquaintance’ rape in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Featuring an interactive role playing game, Seal the Deal takes users on a typical night out to test their ‘pulling power’ with the ladies, where they choose the direction the evening takes them.

The game is designed to be hard-hitting and encourages the target audience to make sure they know where the line is to prevent committing a serious criminal offence.

The campaign launch coincides with the prime festive party season, as more people are out drinking large amounts of alcohol and leaving themselves vulnerable.

Detective Inspector Tara Williams said: “When it comes to sex the law is clear; if you have sex without consent you’re committing rape. It’s that simple. No pressure, no forcing and no expectations. Alcohol is not an excuse to force or pressure someone for sex. We are wholly committed to utilising all of our resources to fully support victims, investigate these offences and bring offenders to justice.”

Terri Clarke, Corporate Communications Officer at Hampshire Constabulary comments: “A lot of people associate the word rape with violent strangers, however an alarming number of rapes in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are carried out by someone the victim already knew, or had met that evening. The Don’t Cross the Line campaign aims to reduce incidents of rape by ensuring that men understand the need to gain active consent before they have sex, regardless of how well they think they know someone.

“Previous national and local campaigns have focused on women’s behaviour and often warn of the risks of rape for women who drink too much. We’ve changed tack and rather than place the onus on women, we’ve taken the unique approach of focusing on young men. We want people to consider their actions and know exactly where the line is.”

Did you know?

The majority of rapists are young men aged 16 – 24.
The majority of victims are young women aged 16 – 24.
48% of rapes are classified as acquaintance.
The majority of reported acquaintance rapes take place over the weekend.
Most rapes don’t take place in dark, secluded areas. 75% actually occur in private premises, such as the victim or rapist’s own home.
A person doesn’t have to say ‘no’ to show they don’t consent. A rape victim will often go into shock or be unable to speak through fear during an attack. This will be taken into account by the police.

These figures have been released by Hampshire Constabulary to raise awareness and knowledge of the real picture of rape and are unable to be broken down by geographical region at this time (from 1 Oct 2008 – 30 Sept 2009).

Alcohol awareness to prevent rape

admin — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:46:20 +0000

Both sexes are being targeted by a new campaign aimed at reducing alcohol-related rape and sexual offences.

Hampshire Constabulary has joined forces with the county’s pubs, clubs, schools, universities, local authorities and the Treetops Sexual Assault Referral Centre to educate and inform young people about the links between alcohol and sexual assault.

The campaign, which is primarily aimed at young people aged 15 to 24, has three main messages – responsibility, consent and look after your friends.

It will be using a DVD, schools’ education package, posters and leaflets in pubs and clubs, university websites and Bluetooth messages near pubs and clubs at closing time to promote its safety messages.

Detective Inspector Tara Williams, a campaign leader, said the campaign is designed to make young people think about how short term actions can have long term consequences.

She added: ‘When most people hear the word “rape” they tend to think of a stranger waiting in bushes and attacking women as they walk home late at night.

‘The reality is far from this though, and most of the rapes reported to us involve people who are known to each other.’

Alcohol can affect your judgement, make you lose your inhibitions, and mean you take risks. Mary Bridgman, manager of Treetops

Source: The News, 23rd October 09

FAQs for victims returning home who have been raped abroad

admin — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:31:42 +0000

Now I am home who should I report it to?

If you wish to report what has happened to the Police – ring or attend your local Police Station.

If you do not wish the Police to be involved many areas of the country now have Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) where you can talk to a trained worker in confidence. The SARC also has medical examination and counselling facilities. There are also other agencies that can help including Rape Crisis Centres at www.rapecrisis.org.uk, and other specialist voluntary organisations. Information on SARC locations, Rape Crisis centres and how to contact Victim Support can be found Home Office Website http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk under sexual offences.

What will the Police do if I report to them?

Many policing areas have introduced specially trained officers to deal with reports of sexual offences. They will send an officer to meet you. Tell them if you would prefer to speak to a male or female officer.

What will they need to know?

The officer will take your personal details and will record the full details of the incident. This will include what happened, where and when it happened, whether you are injured, whether you have kept the clothing that you were wearing at the time, whether you know your attacker, or if there are any witnesses including anyone else you have told about it.

Will I have to give a statement?

You may be required to give a written witness statement or a video recorded interview. These options will be discussed with you.

Who will investigate?

Generally it will be the country in which the attack occurred. However the British Police may take details from you and send them to an investigating officer in the country in which the attack occurred. If your attacker is from the UK and has returned to the UK the British Police may conduct some of the investigation on their behalf.

Will I have to be medically examined?

A forensic medical examination is an opportunity for you discuss your welfare together with a possibility of obtaining evidence. A forensic examination will not take place without your consent. All Police forces have medical examination facilities. Wherever possible you will have the choice of a male or female doctor.

You may also be advised to visit your doctor or a GUM clinic to have a pregnancy test or tests for sexually transmitted infections.

Will I have to return to the country where it happened?

You may have to if there are identification procedures or a court case. The Police/Foreign Office will discuss the financial implications for travelling to the country where the assault took place.

What will I do if the local Police don’t know what to do?

You should receive the appropriate response to your report however, every force has a senior officer who has responsibility for rape and serious sexual assault should you need further advice. Your local Police force can assist you to find out about your case if it has already been investigated in another country. Alternatively, your local Rape Crisis Centre or other victim support service may be able to assist.

Man Charged Over Portsmouth Rape

admin — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 15:28:33 +0000

A 25-year-old man from Fratton has been charged with the attempted rape of a woman in June last year.

The man was arrested late on Sunday, following the attack on a woman who had been walking home in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The woman, who was returning home from a night out with friends in the nearby area, was dragged into an alleyway by a man who subjected her to the attack.

Police say the attempted rape charge relates to another incident in June last year.

He will next appear at Portsmouth Crown Court on April 14.

The full article contains 173 words and appears in The News newspaper.

Ex-policeman jailed

admin — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 15:28:11 +0000

A former police officer has been jailed for two-and-a-half years for having sex with a 15-year-old boy.

Mark Brigham was a serving PC in the Metropolitan police force when he committed the offence in Portsmouth.

Brigham, who was a lesbian and gay liaison officer for the force, travelled down to the city in August 2008 to attend a party.

During the course of the evening he befriended the teenager and was repeatedly told the boy was 15.

But in the early hours of the next day Brigham and the boy, who can’t be named for legal reasons, engaged in sexual activity in an alleyway.

The youngster’s family contacted police about a week later after he had told them what had happened.

Brigham, who had served in the Met for nine years, was arrested and interviewed.

At first he claimed he thought the boy was over 16 but he later admitted four counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child.

Brigham also resigned from the Met police force.

At Portsmouth Crown Court yesterday Brigham, of Hackney, London, was sent to prison for 30 months.

Judge Roger Hetherington said: ‘These offences are aggravated by the disparity in age between you.

‘You were more than twice his age. You knew he was underage and yet you succumbed to temptation.’

He added: ‘I accept that at the time of these offences you were someone with your own difficulties and the fact that until then you had no previous convictions and a valued job in the police force. You have lost that now.’

Brigham’s barrister, Richard Atchley, told the court his client had shown genuine remorse for his actions.

He added: ‘He wants to apologise to the young boy and the Metropolitan police force, which he served in for nine years with distinction.

‘His behaviour came at the end of a long downward spiral in his life.’

Brigham is likely to serve half the sentence behind bars before he is released into the community on licence.

ON THE SEX OFFENDERS REGISTER

Mark Brigham will remain on the sex offenders register indefinitely as a result of the 30-month prison sentence he received.

He could have to tell police where he lives and if he ever changes his address or name for the rest of his life. If he fails in this duty he could be hauled back before the courts and jailed for failing to abide with the notification requirements.

Brigham has also been banned from working with children.

8 Year Jail Sentence for Rapist

admin — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 14:57:36 +0000

A sex attacker who beat up a woman and then raped her has been jailed.

Gareth Smith subjected his terrified victim to a frenzy of blows before he forced himself on her.

Smith set upon the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, in March this year.

He dragged her into his flat in Portsmouth where he pinned her to the floor and raped her.

The 30-year-old then told his victim to wash herself.

She required hospital treatment for swelling around her eye and extensive bruising but did not tell doctors that she had been raped.

The victim eventually contacted police a few days later to report the sex attack and Smith was arrested.

After a trial at Portsmouth Crown Court, Smith, of Allaway Avenue, Paulsgrove, was jailed for eight years.

Police today welcomed the sentence. Detective Constable Kristy O’Brien, from Portsmouth CID, said: “We welcome the sentence, which signifies the end of a long and difficult journey for the victim.”

‘I’d encourage others suffering this kind of abuse to speak out and contact the police, because we take offences such as these very seriously.

“I’d like to thank everyone involved in this investigation for their professionalism and commitment, and also to the victim for her full co-operation and support throughout.”

A jury found Smith guilty of two counts of rape and one count of assault causing actual bodily harm. Smith had denied all the charges and forced his victim to go through the ordeal of re-living her experiences during the trial.

He is likely to serve four years behind bars before he is released into the community on licence.

During the licence period he will be supervised by the probation service.

Smith will also remain on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely.

He will have to tell police where he is living at all times and if he moves home.

Treetops Care

The Treetops Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Northern Road, Cosham, saw 370 victims in its first year.
Of those, 337 victims (91%) were referred by police and 37 were men.
In total 33 victims seen (9 %) were aged under 16.
52 people referred to the centre (14 per cent) were victims of domestic violence and 74% were vulnerable adults.
A total of 311 victims underwent a forensic examination.
Staff started offering service to teenagers ages 13-16 in May 2007 to supplement limited paediatric facilities available in the county.

Plans for more SARCs welcomed in Portsmouth

admin — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 14:33:02 +0000

Portsmouth today welcomed government plans to pump £1.6m into creating ten new sexual assault referral centres (SARCs) across Britain.

The south’s first SARC – The Treetops Centre at Cosham – will celebrate its second birthday next month.

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith today pledged the extra funding to help other areas increase the support offered to victims of sexual assault and rape.

Mary Bridgman, who manages Treetops, which serves Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, said the £1.6m would be money well spent.

She said: “Since we opened on November 22, 2006, we’ve seen around 750 people. The number of referrals has increased over that two-year period, with an 11% rise in the first six months of this year compared to last year.

I feel that our clients have benefited enormously from this centre and I welcome the fact that more other people across Britain could benefit from similar resources soon.

Treetops provides a professional client focused service, with on site crisis intervention, specialist forensic medical examinations and referral to appropriate medical and specialist counselling services.

Some 77% of clients have received forensic examinations, 93% have been female and 11% self referrals.

Portsmouth City Council’s Early Intervention Project provides advocacy and support and works closely with the Crystal Unit, a new initiative dedicated to the investigation rape and serious sexual assaults in the area. The unit is the first scheme of its kind outside London.

A young person’s worker is also available working from the centre to work with victims aged 13 to 18.

Treetops has been made possible by a partnership between the Portsmouth City Teaching Primary Care Trust, Hampshire police, the council, with support from the Rape Crisis services across Hampshire.

In 2007, it won two awards for partnership working – one from the Strategic Health Authority and one from the Portsmouth Operational Command Unit of the police.

Treetops has referrals from the police and self referrals. If someone is undecided about whether to report a rape or serious sexual offence to the police, they have the option of contacting the SARC direct for support from the Early Intervention Project team and the young person’s worker. Forensic samples can be taken to secure evidence in the event they do decide to report to the police in the future.

Partnership working is integral to a service which is available to the police 24/7.

The government eventually aims to double the number of SARCs from 19 to 38.

Issued by Mark Wingham on (023) 9283 5070.

New help for Portsmouth rape victims

admin — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 12:30:54 +0000

A dedicated sexual assaults unit is to be set up by Hampshire Police in a bid to increase detections.

In a Home Office-funded pilot project – the first outside London – the Crystal Unit will be based at Fratton police station in Portsmouth.

The unit will be monitored and, when the pilot ends, compared to statistics of similar crimes in Southampton.

One woman who claims to have been raped said she hoped the unit would encourage more people to come forward.

Claire Portsmouth, who has waivered her right to anonymity, said no one had been convicted of the attacks on her.

“When I got there I was already traumatised and the police officer on the desk was not very interested, it was like being turned away, so I left.”

I was raped and sexually assaulted over a period of two years.

“After the first incident I didn’t report it to the police straight away but after a particularly violent assault one night I did go to the police.”

“[Later a] police officer said it was historic and you have not got a hope of a conviction. I can’t really describe how I felt, really disheartened I suppose.”

The number of rapes reported in Portsmouth for the 12-month period commencing April 2006 was 127 (157 in Southampton) and in the following year, it was 122 (160 in Southampton).

The new unit will have a dedicated team of officers, including investigators specially trained in detecting sexual offences, as well as Crown Prosecution Service lawyers.

The Crystal Unit spells out our commitment to survivors of these terrible crimes. Det Ch Insp Richard John

This is the first opportunity anywhere in the country to examine in detail why people sometimes do not proceed through the criminal justice system.

Staff at the Crystal Unit will also be working closely with partnership agencies such as the Sexual Assault Referral Centre, known as the Treetops, in Cosham and Portsmouth City Council’s Early Intervention Project.

If someone is undecided about whether to report a rape or serious sexual offence to the police, they have the option of contacting the SARC direct on 023 9221 0352 for support from the Early Intervention Project team and the Young Persons Worker. Forensic Samples can be taken to secure evidence in the event they do decide to report to the police in future.

Other publicity involving the Crystal Unit -

Welcome to our new website

admin — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 01:12:08 +0000

Welcome to the new Treetops Centre website.

We hope that you find it informative and easy to use. Feedback is welcome so please contact us with your suggestions!