Extra £50k Wanted For Sexual Assault Referral Centre

Home Affairs is asking for an extra £50,000 to kickstart a pilot scheme for a Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Guernsey.

The committee has submitted an amendment to the 2022 Government Work Plan - which already prioritises the need for a centre with specially trained staff.

Setting up a SARC was confirmed in the committee's recently published 'Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Strategy.

Under the GWP it would get initial funding for 2023.

Home Affairs says its amendment would mean work can start this year on setting up the services in preparation for the SARC's launch.

It says the money would be used towards training costs.

The independent clinic will improve access to services for victims by offering a safe space offering specialised support and forensics.

Deputy Sue Aldwell, The Committee for Home Affairs’, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence lead, says it would be a positive step forwards:

“Earlier this year the Committee promised to expedite work to open a SARC in Guernsey, and this additional funding will allow us to bring any potential opening date forward.

Exploratory works are already well under way, but a facility such as a SARC requires staff which are specially trained, and needs to meet specific requirements to ensure it is suitable. This additional funding, if approved by the States, would allow us to resource those requirements."

Officials have attended a presentation by the manager of Jersey's Sexual Assault Referral Centre to understand how it is run.

Deputy Aldwell is set to visit the SARC in Jersey next month.