A new campaign to encourage more people in Warrington to report rape and seek the help they need will be launched tomorrow (Friday) by Cheshire Sexual Assault Services.
A new website www.cheshiresarc.org.uk has been created to give people across Cheshire who have experienced rape or sexual assault all the details they need to receive support and encourage people to contact the service directly – with a number of offices across the county including Warrington.
The website contains information on the range of services available in Cheshire and how to access them. It also contains contact information for Cheshire SARC’s 24-hour phone line.
In addition, a poster campaign providing contact details and website information will be launched to promote the service throughout the County.
Julie Evans, CEO of the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC), a community based specialist sexual violence organisations which provides the service in collaboration with St Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester said: “It is important that people understand they can access all of our services without having to speak to the police. They can receive a medical examination and address any health concerns at the St Mary’s Centre and then obtain emotional and psychological support from their local RASASC service.”
The service is open to women, men and children of all ages. It includes aftercare support, help through the criminal justice system, ongoing health and social support and specialist counselling. The Forensic Medical Examination and health care assessment will take place at St Mary’s SARC while all counselling and support is available at local offices throughout Cheshire. They are Chester, Crewe, Ellesmere Port, Runcorn, Northwich, Macclesfield and Warrington.
Bernie Ryan, Centre Manager of St Mary’s Centre, added: “Often people who experience sexual violence find they are in trauma and can be confused about what they want to do.
“We want to encourage people to access our medical services so they can be assured that all their healthcare needs have been addressed. We can also store samples for up to seven years, so they can decide to make a report to the police when they are ready.”
The new website is www.cheshiresarc.org.uk
