Home / Crime and Justice / Victim Support Under Threat: Centers Face Closure
Victim Support Under Threat: Centers Face Closure
20 Feb
Summary
- SARCs in Truro and Plymouth may close, consolidating in Bodmin.
- MPs warn of longer travel times, increasing victim distress.
- NHS England states transport and crisis support will continue.
Victims of sexual assault and rape in Devon and Cornwall are facing potential long-distance travel for medical assessments due to proposed closures of referral centres. NHS England is exploring options that could see the sexual assault referral centres (SARCs) in Truro and Plymouth shut down, with services possibly consolidated into a single centre in Bodmin.
This consolidation has raised significant concerns among local MPs. They have jointly written to NHS England, highlighting that increased travel times could exacerbate distress for victims and hinder their access to essential services. The current setup includes three SARCs across the two counties, with an additional centre in Exeter recognized for pediatric forensic examination.
NHS England maintains that no final decision has been made and emphasizes that new regulatory standards require a 24/7 specialist workforce and robust forensic provision. They assure that funded transport will continue regardless of the location, and crisis support and therapy services will be maintained in Plymouth through a new local hub. Engagement with partners is ongoing to ensure quality, safety, and equitable access.
