Help is here, says sexual assault referral centre

A sexual assault referral centre (Sarc) staff are reminding the community that "help is here" as Christmas celebrations continue throughout December.

Serenity Sarc, based in the grounds of Northampton General Hospital, provides specialist care for people who have experienced sexual assault and abuse.

According to figures from the Office for National Statistics, one in 30 women in the UK experienced rape or sexual assault in the past year.

Fay Wickett, manager at Serenity, said sexual violence can "often be more prevalent" during the festive period.

"There's lots of social gatherings, potential parties and family gatherings," she said.

"Lots of opportunities [for sexual violence] can happen and people don't sometimes recognise that they've been a victim of sexual violence.

"You have the right to go out and socialise with friends and family and you have a right to ensure consent."

The service is provided by the Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHFT) and has been operating since 2010.

It provides crisis care, medical and forensic examinations, emergency contraception and testing for sexually transmitted diseases.

The facility features several different rooms - all designed to be familiar, calming and friendly - including two police interview spaces, a family room kitted out with toys and a TV, and a forensic examination space.

"This time of year, it's particularly important to raise awareness of what services are available should anything happen," Ms Wickett added.

"A lot of people don't report things because they feel that they were partly to blame and that is untrue.

"Our team is here to provide a safe, confidential space where people feel listened to and supported – whether they choose to involve the police or not."

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