Construction on SARC facility to begin in 'coming weeks'

Minister's 'spades in the ground' pledge for premises to aid victims

Construction on a ‘state of the art’ facility for victims of sexual abuse will begin in the ‘coming weeks’.

That’s according to the justice and home affairs minister who has told Manx Radio there will be ‘spades in the ground’ soon.

The Sexual Assault Referral Centre will offer immediate assistance to children and adults including forensic examination, private interview and counselling rooms as well as support and signposting.

Money for the project was allocated in 2022 – you can find out more HERE.

At the time Jane Poole-Wilson said victims, and survivors, had been having their trauma ‘compounded’ by being sent to the United Kingdom for examination.

Whilst planning has been underway for the new facility an interim service has been provided in adapted premises in Douglas.

This is overseen by an on-Island forensic medical examiner, who works alongside the police, to deliver immediate crisis care as well as collecting evidence to support potential criminal prosecutions.

Mrs Poole-Wilson says the SARC, and updates to legislation via the Sexual Offences and Obscene Publications Act 2020, will be worth the wait:

This week marks Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week which aims to empower and encourage victims to speak up and seek help. 

Here on the Isle of Man they are the second most common reason for referrals to Manx charity Victim Support. 

• 34 percent of referrals are from people aged 18 or under
• 18-22 percent of referrals are from adults

Chief Executive Lorna Trevethan told Manx Radio abuse and violence is not always just physical: