Crime and victims
Back to Sexual offencesSexual assault referral centres
These centres are safe locations where victims of sexual assault can receive medical care and counselling, quickly and sympathetically.
Referral centres bring together all of the different legal and medical agencies and departments in one place, which helps both the victims and those investigating the crimes.
At present there are 20 centres operating across England and Wales, with 18 further centres under development and scheduled to open in 2008.
What sexual assault referral centres do
Caring for victims
Referral centres offer victims of sexual crime an integrated service where victims can receive medical care, psychological counselling, legal advice and other support, all in one place from professionally trained staff.
Many centres are located in hospitals, as this allows access to medical staff and equipment.
Helping the investigation
Referral centres relieve some of the pressure on police service resources by providing centralised facilities where they can meet with the victim, conduct forensic examinations and gather evidence.
Providing health services
For victims, referral centres help reduce the stress of dealing with what's happening to them. They can, if they wish, receive emergency contraception and be screened for sexually transmitted infections.
Victims who receive good immediate care and counselling are found to recover more steadily, and are less likely to need ongoing counselling and long-term mental health care.
