Call for assault support centre
Published 12 Jan 2012 09:30
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CAMPAIGNERS are calling for a sexual assault centre to be set up in Reading so victims do not have to travel miles to get support.
A group of friends have ignited a petition that they are hoping to present to Parliament in a bid to get a sexual assault referral centre (SARC) opened in Reading.
Hári Sewell, one of the SARC4Reading campaigners, said: "If you are raped in Reading, there is currently very little help available.
"The closest centre is in Slough, but I think this is too far to go by yourself when you are vulnerable after such a traumatic experience."
Under current legislation, the government states that there must be one SARC centre in each police force and the Thames Valley centre is based at Upton Park Hospital.
Mr Sewell added: "I was shocked to discover that Reading had no centre and that there was no support base in the town for such vulnerable people.
"The centres really are a one-stop shop and people can just walk in and get help without contacting the police.
"Everything is properly recorded, so if a victim changes their mind about pressing charges when they feel stronger, the evidence is still there."
The campaign group also argues that the centres lead to a higher conviction rate and help to decrease the number of victims who go on to suffer mental health issues after the attack because they are given support straight away.
The petition, which was set up in August, has received 613 signatures, but it needs 100,000 supporters before it can be taken to Parliament.
Mr Sewell added: "This centre will help all victims of sexual assault - men, women and children - but we have a long way to go and we need the support of the community."
To sign the petition, visit http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/6794
View the campaign group's Facebook page 'SARC in more towns' or follow the campaigners on Twitter at @SARCReading or @moreSARCs
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