§ Vera BairdTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many sexual assault referral centres in the UK the Department funds(a) alone and (b) jointly with another agency, at premises other than at hospitals; [97123]
(2) how many sexual assault referral centres the Department funds (a) alone and (b) jointly with another agency. [97240]
§ Ms Blears[holding answer 12 February 2003]:The Department does not directly fund sexual assault referral centres (SARCS). We understand that there are currently six SARCs in England but that their funding is a matter for the local police force and or authority and the local primary care trust and National Health Service trust.
However we are aware that the Home Office, through the crime reduction programme—violence against women initiative, is funding a nurse forensic examiner project at St Mary's SARC in Manchester. It is also funding a project to examine the impact that SARCs may have on attrition rates for sexual offences; comparing SARC areas with areas where no SARC is available. These are research projects, and interim data are currently being analysed. The findings will help inform decisions about future SARC development.
§ Vera BairdTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what the Department's policy is on locating future sexual assault referral centres at(a) hospitals and (b) separate premises; [97121]
(2) what steps are being taken by the Department to support the establishment of sexual assault referral centres; [97238]
(3) how many sexual assault referral centres there are in the UK at hospital premises. [97241]
§ Ms Blears[holding answer 12 February 2003]: People who have been raped or sexually assaulted require access to a variety of services including forensic examination, counselling and treatment to prevent sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy. We are aware that sexual assault referral centres (SARCs) have been developed in a number of areas to provide a 24 hour comprehensive service under one roof. Information on numbers of SARCs is not collected centrally however we understand that there are currently six across England. A number of different models exist, which include centres located within or attached to hospitals.
We will work with the Home Office to support the further development of SARCs and other service options.