POLICE and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for North Wales, Andy Dunbobbin, is urging victims of sexual violence to choose the correct care and support.
It comes in the light of media reports around some victims resorting to using self-swab kits and other forms of home testing after an assault. PCC Dunbobbin wants people to be aware of the services available within North Wales which can help victims not only cope with the trauma of sexual violence but also receive the practical, specialist care they deserve.
In what is a sensitive and traumatic time, PCC Dunbobbin believes professionals with the experience and resource are the best people to help survivors of abuse negotiate life after an assault. He has been joined in his plea by Amethyst SARC (Sexual Assault Referral Centre) in Colwyn Bay and local independent charity RASASC North Wales (Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre), based in Bangor.
He added: “Support for victims of violence against women and girls is at the core of my aims for reducing crime in North Wales. A key part of giving victims the confidence to come forward is knowing the right support and care will be available when they do.
“That’s why it’s so important to access services like Amethyst SARC and RASASC, instead of using remote services they may have read about elsewhere.
“The SARC is an accredited service, that has the know-how, expertise and understanding to offer the right wraparound care at the right time.
“When I visited the SARC, they said that people can naturally be scared and concerned on entry given their traumatic experiences but are much more reassured and relaxed on leaving when they have received the right support.
“I would urge anyone who may be a victim to contact professionals and discuss their fears. That way they can move forward and hopefully find the assistance and justice they deserve.”
PCC Dunbobbin recently visited Amethyst SARC in Bryn Eirias Close, Colwyn Bay. Its staff include specially trained professionals who provide help, support and information to adults, children and young people who have been raped or sexually assaulted in North Wales. It is run by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and is an NHS service, with confidentiality at its heart.
He heard about the high quality, personal and sensitive service they offer to victims, working in partnership with the Police, health and third sector voluntary services to ensure victims have access to the best possible care.
Someone who has suffered sexual violence doesn’t need to report anything to the police to access the service’s support. Although, if this is something they wish to do they will be supported.
RASASC is an independent charity which can provide specialist rape and sexual violence support, advice, ISVA and counselling to all victims, regardless of when the offence happened and whether the victim wishes to report to Police. Individuals attending the SARC will often be referred to RASASC for follow-up counselling and on-going support and they don’t have to be in the criminal justice process to receive it.
Stephanie Williams, SARC Manager, Amethyst SARC said: “Ours service is confidential, caring and professional. We are there to help you, advise you and look after your best interests.
“Our Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs) and Children and Young People Sexual Violence Advisers (CYPSVAs) are here to support you through your individual journey.
“We fully support the Police and Crime Commissioner’s comments. I would urge all victims of sexual violence to contact us for support and advice. We would not recommend using self-swab kits or other forms of home testing being advertised.
“Trying to gather evidence in this way could be detrimental to any police investigation – and more importantly you not receiving the care and support you deserve.”
Gaynor McKeown, CEO, RASASC commented: “Being the victim of rape or sexual assault is extremely traumatic. Often victims do not initially believe what has happened or have the capacity to decide what action they want to take; they are in shock.
“It is essential they seek support from an accredited, specialist rape/sexual violence support provider at the earliest opportunity. By contacting us they do not have to tell the police unless they want to, our services are free and confidential.
“We will listen, we will believe them, and we will offer support and advice.”
The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), the national coordination body for law enforcement in the UK, has commented: “We remain concerned that the use of the self-testing DNA kits may cause significant issues around criminal evidence as it moves through the criminal justice process.
“We would encourage anyone who is looking for all types of support around rape or sexual assault and abuse to contact their local SARC.”
For more information about how to access services if you have been a victim of rape or sexual assault visit:
- Amethyst SARC: Amethyst – Sexual Assault Referral Centre – Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board
- Their team is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on: 08081563658
- RASASC North Wales: www.rasawales.org.uk
