Victims’ Commissioner launches new centre for victims of sexual violence

Victims’ Commissioner, Baroness Newlove was at Hinchingbrooke Hospital in Huntingdon today, (8 March) to officially open a new county-wide centre for victims of sexual violence.

The state of the art facility for victims of rape and sex crimes in Cambridgeshire, known as The Elms, replaces the former facility Oasis @Rivergate, Peterborough, providing round the clock support to all victims of sexual assault.

Operational since December 2016, the centre provides victims with a safe place to receive medical aftercare, forensic examinations, support, and to anonymously report sexual assaults. The facility is fully accessible and there are dedicated facilities for children and young people, including paediatric clinics.

Services at The Elms will be provided by a partnership including Cambridgeshire Rape Crisis, Peterborough Rape Crisis, Embrace CVOC, Victims Hub, Cambridgeshire Constabulary and Mountain Healthcare Ltd.

Baroness Newlove said:

“I am always humbled by the professionalism and commitment shown by staff at these Sexual Assault Referral Centres and I would like to thank colleagues at The Elms who have already offered support to many victims in Cambridgeshire since it opened last December.

“It will be of great comfort to victims and survivors of sexual abuse to know there is a place where they can seek help; a place where they can access support, advice and dedicated services in a safe, non-threatening environment.”

Police and Crime Commissioner, Jason Ablewhite said:

“I am delighted Baroness Newlove has been able to open our new centre today and to meet the people who made this project a reality.

“I would like to thank everyone involved for their timeless energy and passion. I know a lot of hard work has gone on behind the scenes.”

More information about The Elms is available online at www.theelmssarc.org. The website includes an option to hide the webpage from your browser history to enable survivors to view it without fear.

Support is available 24/7 to anyone who has experienced sexual abuse by calling 0800 193 5434