Island's sexual assault referral Centre due to open in August

The Island’s first Sexual Assault Referral Centre is due to open in August.

That's the latest from government - who say plans for a dedicated on-Island service for those who have suffered sexual assault are moving forward, with work due to start soon.

The centre will transform the care, treatment and support offered to adults and children who have experienced a sexual assault or rape, and improve evidence-gathering capabilities for police.

A range of services will be brought together under one roof - from reporting an incident, examination to criminal proceedings and ongoing counselling support.

Once fully operational the facility will be equipped to respond 24/7 - avoiding in most cases the need for victims to travel to the UK for assessment.  

The service will be based in Douglas, work to convert the building to accommodate a facility which meets recognised UK clinical and forensic standards will begin at Easter. 

The work is expected to take around eight weeks with the  facility due to open by August 2021.