Wiltshire sexual assault victims face journey to Gloucester as support centre upgrades
Temporary closure of Swindon SARC for national forensic standards compliance
Victims of sexual assault in Wiltshire will temporarily travel to Gloucester for support while the county's only Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) in Swindon undergoes upgrades.
Swindon & Wiltshire SARC, serving the entire region, offers specialist support to those affected by rape or sexual assault and is currently closed for work to meet the latest Forensic Service Requirement standards.
As part of a national initiative to upgrade facilities across the UK, the Swindon site will reopen once improvements are complete—a process expected to last at least six months.
Victims will continue to access full SARC services, appointments, and forensic support through Gloucester during the closure. Travel arrangements and costs are managed by the service to minimise disruption.
A spokesperson for the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner clarified that the closure involves "not a reduction in service," and existing referral numbers and advice lines remain active.
Under mutual aid arrangements, victims can opt for appointments at alternative sites if needed. The Wiltshire team is relocating as a unit to Gloucester, providing continuity in personnel to ensure familiar support.
The centre, operated by First Light and partly funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and NHS England, faces challenges with travel distances due to the temporary diversion.
Swindon victims will face an additional 60 to 80-mile round trip, Chippenham victims 90 to 100 miles, while Salisbury residents will journey between 120 and 140 miles.
For users in the western part of Wiltshire, The Bridge SARC in Bristol may offer a closer alternative by prior arrangement.