The island’s first sexual assault referral centre [SARC] is a step closer to completion.
It will be a dedicated clinic for victims of sexual assault or rape, available for adults and children and will help improve evidence gathered by police during investigations.
Located within Douglas, work to convert the building to accommodate a bespoke, modern facility which meets recognised UK clinical and forensic standards will begin at Easter.
The precise location of the clinic cannot be published in order to protect those who will use the facility.
The new facility will provide immediate assistance and support to victims, forensic examinations and rooms for counselling and supported police witness interviews.
A range of services will be available, varying from reporting an incident through examination to criminal proceedings and ongoing counselling. These will be offered to those requiring support regardless whether criminal proceedings are initiated.
Once opened, the centre will respond 24/7 to prevent victims travelling to the UK for assessment.
The centre is a joint initiative by the Department of Health and Social Care, the Department of Home Affairs and Public Health. It has been in development over several years, beginning with a "deep dive" needs assessment in 2017 through service design and the first phase of commissioning.
Building work is expected to take around eight weeks with the new, dedicated facility due to open by August 2021.
Health and Social Care Minister David Ashford said: ’The SARC will be a one-stop location for all those who have suffered a sexual assault. Our vision is to provide responsive, holistic, person-centred services which treat users with dignity and respect and continue to support them beyond the immediate aftermath.’