Sexual assault support service is first to reach tough new standards
The Queen visited the site in Exeter earlier this year
A Devon-based service which offers free support to victims of sexual offences will become the first in the UK to meet higher new standards.
Exeter's new state-of-the-art Sexual Assault Referral Centre meets new forensic regulations and accreditation standards that will come into force this autumn. Â
Lyndsay Howell, General Manager of Devon & Cornwall SARCs, said: “Exeter is now proudly offering three self-contained forensic pods which allows for one directional movement and each one has an air flow system that minimises the risk of trace evidence being transferred. We can now also offer five counselling rooms on site.
“All children are screened for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and are offered trauma focused therapy which delivers really good long-term outcomes.Â
“Around 70 per cent of all adult referrals we receive are from the police, but we also welcome people who wish to self-refer, without involving the police.Â
Last year, Devon & Cornwall SARC services provided support to 1,361 adults from across Devon and Cornwall who had been raped or sexually abused. Of those, 347 attended for a forensic medical examination.
The Exeter SARC also hosts the children’s centre of excellence. In 2024, the service helped 1,499 children who had experienced sexual harm. Of those, 235 attended for a forensic medical examination.Â
All SARCs are required by October to have obtained accreditation from the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) and meet Forensic Science Regulator (FSR) standards.
The new standards will reduce the risk of evidence collected at a SARC being challenged within court proceedings. Exeter’s new SARC was officially opened in February by Her Majesty the Queen.Â