The Kent Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) working in partnership with Family Matters, East Kent Rapeline and Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust (KMPT) has now introduced talking therapies for victims of sexual assault in Kent and Medway.

Talking through issues gives people the chance to explore their thoughts and feelings and can help people to take greater control of their lives and improve their confidence.

There are rising levels of sexual assault both nationally and locally with a 12% increase in the number of sexual offences and 20% increase in rape reported in Kent in 2014/15.

The SARC at Beech House provides a 24 hour service for victims of sexual assault in Kent and Medway with a commitment that they will be seen with-in an hour. It already offers immediate help for their acute health needs, a forensic medical examination (if they wish) and crisis support in a caring and safe environment. The addition of talking therapies improves the overall support offered to sexual assault victims.

Clients will be provided with therapies dependent on individual needs with the SARC providing a fast-track service to appropriate talking therapy services following sexual assault.

The Kent and Medway SARC is co-commissioned by NHS England and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.

Vanessa Fowler, Head of Health and Justice Commissioning for NHS England in the South East said:
“This is an excellent addition to the services provided at the SARC. People who have experienced sexual assault are often understandably extremely distressed, being able to talk things through with a skilled therapist can often help, not just in the short term, but to relieve the possible long term psychological impacts.”

Matthew Scott, Kent’s new Police and Crime Commissioner, said:
“I want a service that puts victims first and foremost and treated as individuals, not statistics. My Six Point Plan includes a promise to provide
faster and more tailored support for all victims because victims of any crime, especially a crime as serious as sexual assault, need support to move on with their lives.”

To find out more about the free and confidential help available at Beech House please visit the website at: www.beechhousesarc.org