£3 million pound victims centre opens in North Yorkshire
Acer House will provide support for victims and survivors of serious sexual assault
A new £3 million centre for victims of serious sexual assault is opening in York today.
Acer House has the latest technology to collect the very best forensic evidence which can later be used in court.
There is also a non-forensic medical examination room for non-recent cases. There are two VRI suites, four separate waiting rooms for family members or friends accompanying victims and witnesses, each with their own facilities.
A new £3 million centre is opening in North Yorkshire today for victims of serious sexual assault.
Acer House Victims’ Centre will provide dedicated, modern facilities to better meet the needs of victims of rape and sexual assault.
People will receive immediate healthcare and a forensic medical examination if required at the Centre, to collect and document evidence.
The new Centre also has two Video-Recorded Interview suites for North Yorkshire Police to take statements from vulnerable victims and witnesses of any crime, including children and young people.
The Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith, and Deputy Mayor for Policing, Fire and Crime, Jo Coles, have supported the overall investment of £3 million, to purchase the building and develop the facilities.
David Skaith, York and North Yorkshire Mayor said:
“It was a privilege to come and visit the finished Victims Centre before it officially opens. The care and attention that has gone into providing a safe space for victims is plain to see.
“Creating healthy and resilient communities is at the heart of my mayoral vision. This new provision for victims, offering vital improved resources and support for individuals can serve across the whole of our region.
“A key role for me as Mayor is to champion the interests of victims and tackling violence against women and girls and to help meet the national Government pledge to halve violence against women and girls over the next decade.
Jo Coles, Deputy Mayor for Policing, Fire and Crime said:
“Last year we know there were over 300 referrals to our Sexual Assault Referral Centre, hundreds more reports to the police of rape and sexual assault, and tragically, almost certainly many more cases that were never reported.
“The Mayor and I are determined to tackle the appalling levels of violence against women and girls in our region. As part of that work, it is vital women and girls feel safe to report incidences of rape and sexual assault.
“Providing victims with the best possible facility in which to support them and secure evidence is one way in which we are showing our commitment.
“The new Acer House facility meets new accreditation standards, vital to building public confidence and encouraging victims to report serious crimes such as rape.
“As well as providing services for victims and witnesses, it also ensures the police can gather accurate evidence, improving the chances of successful prosecution against perpetrators of these devastating crimes.
“The centre has been designed to be a safe and welcoming space to ensure the experience for victims and witnesses is as supportive as possible at what will be a devastating time for them.”
Where to get support
Acer House Adult Sexual Assault Referral Centre will provide free, confidential healthcare and compassionate support to people aged 16 years and older in York and North Yorkshire that have experienced sexual assault or rape. Support is available for everyone, all genders, and regardless of when the incident happened and whether they want to report to the police or not.
The services offer:
• Immediate triage, advice, and support over the phone
• Specialist 1 to 1 sexual assault crisis support
• Forensic Medical Examination if appropriate to collect any forensic evidence
• Emergency contraception and testing for sexually transmitted infections (“STIs”)
• Onward referrals and/or liaison with other agencies and support services as appropriate.
The services are available 24/7 365 days of the year, including Bank Holidays, however examinations are usually booked for daytime weekday hours (9-5) wherever possible.
Referrals can be made by police officers and other professionals working with victims.
Getting in touch - Referrals can be made direct to Mountain Healthcare Ltd:
• Phone: 0330 223 0362 (available 24/7/365)
• Online: https://www.acerhousesarc.co.uk/