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York and North Yorkshire Mayor David Skaith and Deputy Mayor Jo Coles visited Acer House Victims’ Centre which will shortly open to provide dedicated, modern facilities to better meet the needs of victims of rape and sexual assault.
Acer House is the new site for the Adult Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) and Child Sexual Assault Assessment Services in York and North Yorkshire. Victims of rape and sexual assault will receive immediate healthcare and a forensic medical examination if required at the Centre, to collect and document evidence.
The new Centre also has two Video-Recorded Interview suites for North Yorkshire Police to take statements from vulnerable victims and witnesses of any crime, including children and young people.
The Mayor’s office has supported the overall investment of £3 million to purchase the building and develop the facilities, increasing capacity fourfold, in replacement of the previous SARC and Interview Suite. The investment is also to support the SARC to achieve new national forensic accreditation. This accreditation is required to ensure the quality of forensic evidence secures the best possible chance of prosecution of sexual offences.
Acer House has been designed in consultation with victims, and intermediaries, to help improve their overall experience. Victims expressed their need for comfort and safety, which the Centre has provided through soft furnishes, toys for children and comfortable, private waiting rooms. With minimal signage to indicate police presence, the Centre is designed to feel distinct from a hospital or police setting. Suspects will never be interviewed within the building.
Acer House is situated close to key transport links and major roads to serve people living throughout York and North Yorkshire. The Centre will be used to support victims 24/7 and has been designed to be accessible for those with mobility needs.
“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.
“The Mayor and I are 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.
“Providing victims with the best possible facility in which to support them and secure evidence is one way in which we are showing our commitment.”
Jo Coles, Deputy Mayor for Policing, Fire and Crime.
Assistant Chief Constable Catherine Clarke welcomed the new facility, saying that it would have an impact on police investigations with additional capability to gather evidence.
The Acer House project was delivered by Kier Places, a business within Kier Construction which delivers building, workplace, and residential solutions in places where people live and work across the UK.
For more information visit Acer House Victim’s Centre which provides virtual tours of the facilities.
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