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The New Swindon Sanctuary Sexual Assault Referral Centre
Official Statistics for 2008 to 2009

June 2009 – The New Swindon Sanctuary Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) has released its new figures for reported sexual assault cases that been referred through the SARC. Mrs Jools James-Kempshall, the Manager for the New Swindon Sanctuary SARC, reported that there were 230 new cases from the county of Wiltshire handled by the centre in 2008.

Mrs James-Kempshall said: “The following figures are based on the cases handled by the New Swindon Sanctuary SARC, 1st April 2009 to 31st of March 2009.  It is understood nationally that sexual violence and abuse is under reported and the true number of victims is likely to be higher. The British Crime Survey also echoes this.

It is important to note that 30% of the victims that accessed our services last year were under 18 years of age and for this group of people we offer specialist medical care.

As part of her statement, Mrs James-Kempshall said:’ Our SARC in Wiltshire is an important and effective tool in delivering enhanced and holistic care to victims who have suffered rape or serious sexual assault. Our SARC works in partnership with the voluntary and community sector and are continuing to work with the Police, the Home Office and the Department of Health to improve outcomes for all victims of sexual violence.

“With your help, we can change the outcomes for countless people in our community by making the residents of Swindon and Wiltshire aware of our services and by doing so we can help more and more victims of rape and sexual assault take back control of their lives, rebuild their confidence, claim back their dignity and find their inner strength.”

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