Rape and sexual assault are devastating experiences for any victim.
Profound feelings of violation, a sense of continuing danger, shock and numbness can affect a person’s ability to function for a long time after the attack.
Failure to address the victim’s immediate and ongoing needs can have a considerable and long term impact on their emotional wellbeing and health.
It can also cause the victim to disengage from the criminal justice process, reducing the opportunity for offenders to be brought to justice.
Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) are an important example of how agencies working in partnership have the potential to improve both mental and physical health. They also help to improve criminal justice outcomes for victims of rape and sexual assault.
Crucially, they provide a holistic service to victims of sexual violence, tailored to their needs and underpinned by principles of dignity and respect.” (National Service Guidelines for Developing Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCS) October 2005.
Helen Britton House is the SARC for the Cleveland Police area. The SARC is a partnership working arrangement. It provides a SARC model of practice for victims of Rape and Sexual Assault regardless of whether victims want to report an incident to the Police.
The SARC model for victims across Cleveland was introduced in 2007 following financial support from the then Cleveland Police Authority and the four Tees Primary Care Trusts (PCTs.)
This funding for 2015/16 is required to meet the PCC’s ongoing financial commitment to the agreement made in 2007 with the PCTs.
The SARC requires additional funding to meet predicted overspending in 2014/15. Overspending is to be shared 80/20 with NHS England in line with the original agreement.