A CENTRE supporting victims of sexual violence and rape has had its contract renewed by Wiltshire Police.

The Sexual Assault and Referral Centre, known as SARC, and run by the charity First Light, was relaunched at Gablecross Police station yesterday.

The service acts as a first point of contact for victims up to seven days after sexual assault to provide a safe space, to talk to professional advisors, carry out forensic medical examinations, and offer services such as pregnancy tests and emergency contraception.

Often this initial support to victims can be crucial in securing a criminal conviction of perpetrators.

As Angus Macpherson, police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon, explained to the Adver:

"The focus of my Police and Crime Plan is putting the victim first. We know that it takes a lot of confidence for victims to come forward and report it in the first place.

"We are still finding that people don't report it. What we want them to do is come to services like SARC and the professionals who can then support that person in making a decision in engaging in the criminal justice service, and that can be a big stumbling block.

"We need to make sure that we support that victim in that journey to support a prosecution that might not come for some months."

Michele Challiss, SARC Manager, said: “We are very proud to re-launch the Swindon & Wiltshire Sexual Assault Referral Centre to enable people to understand the pathway into the service.

"We support all victims of sexual violence whether they want police involvement or need time to consider this option and to be seen at the centre without the police as a self-referral.

"We have an amazing team supporting all of our clients and our priority is to ensure the client’s needs are met. We would support them through a forensic medical examination, to make onward referrals to aid their recovery.

"We pride ourselves on always believing our clients and to treat them with the dignity and respect they deserve."

The relaunch coincides with a national awareness week around sexual violence. Wiltshire Police will be using social media channels to help raise awareness of the SARC and issues that surround the topic of sexual abuse and sexual violence.

Victims can report sexual violence by calling 101.

The First Light SARC can be reached on 01793 781916 or by visiting www.firstlight.org.uk/contact-us/ .