Sexual assault referral service 'one step closer' as forensic examiner appointed

August target for dedicated facility missed

Government says an on-Island sexual assault referral service is now 'one step closer'.

A full-time forensic medical examiner has been appointed - although the August deadline for a dedicated facility has been missed.

The development of the Island's own Sexual Assault Referral Centre began following a needs assessment in 2017 and was recommended by the likes of Chief Constable Gary Roberts and Director of Public Health Dr Henrietta Ewart the following year.

As it stands victims of sexual assault on the Island sometimes have to travel to the UK for medical assessment and, until recent years, it was required for those victims to still be wearing the clothes they were attacked in.

When the issue was highlighted in 2018, Chief Constable Gary Roberts said it was "particularly children" who went through that process.

The Department of Home Affairs, alongside the Department of Health and Social Care (now Manx Care) announced the August target for the facility back in February.

A property in Douglas was reportedly chosen in 2019.

Whilst government admits there's currently no set date or target for the centre to open it's hoped the appointing of Dr Jenny Waters, who's due to start the role next month, will mean examinations can take place quickly on-Island, at premises in Douglas.

It's said it will also improve evidence-gathering capabilities for the police.

Dr Waters has previously worked at sexual assault referral centres in the UK and will work with police here to deliver immediate crisis care, and the forensic collection of evidence to support a potential criminal prosecution, should a survivor choose to do so.

Government has told Manx Radio: 'The further development of a dedicated centre remains the objective offering appropriate spaces to provide immediate assistance to children and adults, support and signposting, along with forensic examinations and rooms for counselling and supported police witness interviews.

"This is now likely to be provided through a standalone, modern facility which will adhere to proposed new UK clinical and forensic standards being introduced in 2023.'