The government has announced that the Sexual Assault Referral Centre Project has taken ’a further step forward’ with the appointment of an on-island clinician to lead sexual assault referral services.

Dr Jenny Waters will work alongside the police to deliver immediate crisis care and the forensic collection of evidence to support a potential criminal prosecution, should a survivor choose to do so.

It is hoped that victims and survivors will benefit from the clinician-led service.

The initiative was established by Manx Care, the Department of Home Affairs, the police and the public health department.

The appointment of an experienced full-time forensic medical examiner will mean examinations can take place quickly on-island, at premises in Douglas.

This marks an important development in the island’s progress towards a dedicated Sexual Assault Referral Centre and will also improve evidence-gathering capabilities for the police.

Dr Waters, who takes up the role next month, has worked in sexual assault referral centres in the UK.

The development of the service began with a needs assessment in 2017 through service design and the first phase of commissioning.

The further development of a Sexual Assault Referral Centre remains a key objective, offering spaces to provide assistance to children and adults, support and signposting, along with forensic examinations and rooms for counselling and supported police witness interviews.

This is now likely to be provided through a standalone, modern facility which will adhere to proposed new UK clinical and forensic standards being introduced in 2023.