Rape Crisis: Regional Network East

Really Useful East

Table of Regional Rape Crisis Groups

A Resource for Developing Sexual Assault Referral Centres (Revised)

Published jointly by the Department of Health, Home Office and the Association of Chief Police Officers this guide replaces the National Services Guidelines for Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) and Getting Started.

It highlights the minimum elements essential for providing high-quality SARCs for victims of sexual violence and sexual abuse, including forensic medical examination.

To download the report, visit:
www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_107570

For more information visit the Department of Health - National Support Team for Response to Sexual Violence web section.

Eastern Region Sexual Crime Action Plan 2009-2011

The Eastern Region was highlighted as one of the regions in the UK which was significantly underserved by Violence Against Women support services in 2007 and 2009 [Coy M et al (2007) Map of Gap: Violence Against Women, London). The region also had no Sexual Assault Referral Centres and only one Home Office funded Independent Sexual Violence Advisor. Sexual crime was rarely mentioned by CDRPs.

Developments

In January 2009 Peterborough successfully bid for Home Office funding towards setting up a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC). This will be the first SARC in the region. Applications from Norfolk, Suffolk, and Watford, Hertfordshire, were unsuccessful, however, they are expected to resubmit bids in April 2009.

Additional applications are expected in April 2009 from Luton & Bedfordshire and South Essex. Areas have been given GO East funding towards project management to assist the development process.

South Essex Rape and Incest Crisis Centre (SERICC), as the east region National Rape Crisis representative have been tasked with supporting development work and capacity building to increase Violence Against Women support services in the region.

Luton has been prioritised for support as they are developing a SARC for application in April 2009. Cambridgeshire Rape Crisis are also receiving support.

Support for new and emerging SARCs will be necessary to ensure they are successfully set up and funded. Support from the Home Office SARC expert team can assist with this, and in identifying gaps or risks to these services.

The Cross Governmental Action Plan on Sexual Violence and Abuse, the Home Office National Domestic Violence Delivery Plan and the Home Office Action Plan for Tackling Violence 2008-11 describe the way the Government intends to deal with the existing and emerging harms arising from the devastating effects of sexual violence and domestic violence. The Home Office, Ministry of Justice and Department of Health are working together to implement these strategies nationally and require each Government Office to develop and implement a framework for delivery of the strategy in their region.

The East Region has inadequate services for those affected by rape and serious sexual assault [Coy M, Kelly L,Foord J, 2007 Map of Gaps 1, End Violence Against Women, London]. Central Government is committed to tackling crime which has the greatest impact on victims, and to this end PSA 23 has been introduced which aims to reduce serious violent crime, including domestic violence and sexual crime. In addition National Indicators (NI) 15 reduction in serious violent crime), NI 32 reduction in repeat victims managed by MARAC, and NI26 Specialist support for victims of serious sexual offences have been introduced.

Development of NI26 Specialist support to victims of serious sexual offences is being piloted in the GO South West area and Thurrock.

Not either/or but both/and: Why we need Rape Crisis Centres and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (PDF 1.02MB)
Note: this report is a PDF file, requiring
Adobe Acrobat Reader or Access Adobe.

As identified in Map of Gaps 2 the East region is significantly under-served for sexual violence services.
www.endviolenceagainstwomen.org.uk
www.mapofgaps.org

Cross Government Action Plan
Home Office: Sexual Violence and Abuse Action Plan & Implementation Guide