New £3m centre opens to support sex attack victims
Police and members of North Yorkshire and York Combined Authority were given a tour of the new centre
- Published
A new centre to support sexual assault victims has opened in York.
The £3m Acer House Victims' Centre on the outskirts of the city will offer victims immediate healthcare and a forensic medical examination if required, to help collect evidence.
It has two interview suites where North Yorkshire Police officers will be able to record statements from vulnerable victims and witnesses.
Jo Coles, Deputy York and North Yorkshire Mayor for Policing, Fire and Crime, said the centre would support victims and help police gather evidence, "improving the chances of successful prosecution".
Acer House replaces the existing York facility which is a converted two-storey house in a residential street.
The new centre has national forensic accreditation, which means it provides a standard of evidence that would give the best possible chance of prosecution.
The centre was designed with help from survivors of serious sexual offences.
It features soft furnishings, toys for children, private waiting rooms and minimal police signage to help visitors feel more comfortable.
Suspects will never be interviewed in the building, York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority said.
The new site has two dedicated forensic medical examination suites
Coles said: "Last year we know there were over 300 referrals to our Sexual Assault Referral Centre, hundreds more reports to the police of rape and sexual assault, and tragically, almost certainly many more cases that were never reported."
She said she and the mayor were "determined to tackle the appalling levels of violence against women and girls in our region".
"As part of that work, it is vital women and girls feel safe to report incidences of rape and sexual assault," she said.
David Skaith, York and North Yorkshire Mayor, said: "The care and attention that has gone into providing a safe space for victims is plain to see."
He said the centre offered "vital improved resources and support for individuals across the whole of our region".
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