Page 11 - link magazine

swindonlink.com • October 2009 11
Victims of sexual violence can get help without going to the police

Being the victim of rape or sexual assault is one of the most terrifying experiences anyone can have and the Swindon Sanctuary Sexual As-
sault Referral Centre (SARC) provides a complete service of support, treatment and protection of victims of sexual assault and abuse. Juliet
Platt visited to discover that victims can refer themselves without police involvement.
The New Swindon Sanctuary transport can be provided for “We do require regular supplies
occupies the ground floor of a individuals who cannot get of toiletries, dressing gowns, and
purpose built centre opposite themselves there. clothes, especially underwear,
Gablecross Police Station in “We cover the whole of fleeces, t-shirts and jogging bot-
East Swindon. It has the full Wiltshire and we would re- toms. Any support from local
support and cooperation of ally like more people to be businesses to provide these would
Wiltshire Police and Swindon aware of the work we do,” be much appreciated.”
Primary Care Trust, with whom explained Jools. “The county If you can help mail Jools at: info@
the centre works very closely. is relatively safe, but there are swindonsanctuary.co.uk.
However national SARC still instances of sexual vio- Anyone affected by sexual
expert and centre manager lence for which victims need violence can call The Sanctuary’s
Jools James-Kempshall is keen specialised support.” 24 hour helpline free on 0808 168
to point out that although the “The important thing for 0024.
police play a vital role in their victims is that they are treated
operations, as many sexual as- A quiet, warm corner at The Sanctuary without judgement. At the
sault crimes are police-referred, sanctuary we ensure that all Sue’s Support
victims of sexual violence need not tre initiative is funded by the Home the people we help are believed.
report their situation to the police Office, and the Swindon Sanctuary They have already experienced ter- Services
at all. is one of 28 similar centres nation- rible pressure, so we make sure they • Caring & reliable fully trained &
“Often individuals who have wide. In the last year the Swindon are pressured no further.” qualified home carer (female)
been traumatised by sexual as- centre helped 300 victims of sexual Jools and her team also recognise • Managerial experience
sault prefer to keep their identity violence. the mental and emotional impact of • Fully enhanced CRB/Police Checked
anonymous,” said Jools. “Here at The sanctuary operates 24/7 and sexual violence and offer indefinite • Driving licence with Class 1 business
the New Swindon Sanctuary we are is able to call on an independent sex- access to specially trained counsel- insurance Personal Care:
completely equipped to provide a ual violence advisor, two part-time lors for all victims. Assistance with washing, getting dressed,
one-stop service for anyone affected counsellors, seven on-call female She is also making an appeal to help with medication
by sexual violence, without having doctors, seven on-call crisis work- readers and businesses to make Domestic:
to involve the police.” ers and five on-call paediatricians. the sanctuary more welcoming for Washing, ironing, cooking, shopping
Escort/Travel:
The Sexual Assault Referral Cen- There is full disabled access and free those in trauma. “Our funding isn’t Trips out, shopping, hospital visits
limitless so we need to be sure we’re
Views needed on spending it in the best possible ways, • Hourly or half hourly visits or longer
• Evenings, some daytime availability
domestic violence strategy for example on specialist counsel- Call 01793 876387 / 07816 917666
lors and advisors.
The Community Safety Partnership (CSP) is keen to hear the opinions
about its strategy for dealing with domestic violence.
The police received 2,844 reports taking place in Swindon to support
of domestic violence incidents in both adult and child victims, but Brighten
the Swindon Borough in the year there’s always room to improve
up to March 2009, and a further 797 things further. The opinions of
up to June, but national estimates people are very important, so I hope up your
suggest that only around one in five readers will take the opportunity
incidents are reported to them. to comment on the contents of the
The domestic violence strategy strategy.” home
will shape the way that domestic The document can be viewed at
violence and abuse is tackled in www.swindon-csp.org.uk where
Swindon over the next three years, responses can be submitted elec-
and feedback will help the council’s tronically. Alternatively, paper
domestic violence co-ordinator copies are available by calling Gill
Lin Williams and the domestic Olney on 466538.
violence steering group prioritise The closing date for comments
their work. is 30 October
Lin said, “domestic violence can •The Swindon Community Safety
destroy lives, and it’s a crime that Partnership includes: Swindon
usually happens behind closed Borough Council, Wiltshire Police,
doors and is grossly under reported. Swindon PCT, Wiltshire Fire and
It’s a major issue that affects all Rescue, Wiltshire Probation Area,
social, geographic and cultural Great Western Ambulance Service
groups. NHS Trust, and Wiltshire Police Masonry Paint
“Much excellent work is already Authority. All the leading brands
including Dulux Weathershield,
Help for victims of violence Sandtex and Albany in either
A new domestic violence outreach service has been launched by Swindon a smooth or textured finish.
Community Safety Partnership.
Managed by Splitz, the service offers professional, one-to-one contact
to adults experiencing domestic violence through a dedicated support 4 Wyndham Road
worker who will provide free, confidential and non-judgemental help to Hawksworth Trading Estate
adults who are abused. Victims can refer themselves to the service, while Swindon
Tel 01793 643200
referrals also come from voluntary agencies and statutory services who Fax 01793 487776
meet people experiencing domestic violence. [email protected]
For details call 642425 or mail: [email protected]
www.splitz.org

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