People in West Yorkshire encouraged to use Sexual Assault Referral Centres
The number of people receiving help from NHS Sexual Assault Referral Centres halved after the first lockdown, compared to the previous year
People in West Yorkshire are being encouraged to use sexual assault referral centres, like the Hazlehurst Centre.
The number of people receiving help from NHS Sexual Assault Referral Centres halved after the first lockdown compared with the previous year, despite official figures showing that domestic abuse and sexual assault increased
West Yorkshire’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Alison Lowe OBE said:
“I know that there are many afraid to speak out and worry what it will mean to receive the support they so desperately need.
“Research shows that young women, particularly from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities are reluctant to come forward, and this has to change.
“As a survivor of sexual and domestic abuse, I feel a strong personal responsibility to tell people how they can access help and this national campaign is a great platform to achieve that.
“We are really lucky to have a state of the art, purpose-built provision here in West Yorkshire, which officially opened in 2020.
“I visited only last year and was able to follow the journey of those using the facility and see for myself the experience of victims and survivors.
“It was really reassuring to see the dedicated and modern facilities on offer, whilst learning about the extremely sensitive and compassionate way in which the team operate.
“When it happened to me, this was not around and I did not believe that I had a voice. Here, you will be heard, and your best interest are at heart.”
Detective Superintendent Lee Berry, of West Yorkshire Police, said:
“We are fortunate to have a fantastic facility in West Yorkshire available and on hand ready to support those who are victims and survivors of rape and sexual assault. We understand that going through an incident like this is difficult, and you may be afraid to speak out about what has happened to you.
“This facility has all services available under one roof, ensuring that you are supported by specialist staff in one place, at your own pace and as sensitively as you need.
“The centre has been a real partnership effort and we continue to work together closely to ensure that we deliver an improved experience for victims and survivors and to encourage reporting, hopefully leading to better outcomes at court for victims and survivors.
“We do encourage anyone who is a victim or survivor of rape or sexual assault to come forward, we are ready to support you and bring those responsible to justice. Our centre is on hand to guide you through the process at your pace, and as sensitively as possible. We are here and ready to listen.”