THAMES Valley Police has renewed its partnership with an activist to tackle sexual assault.
TVP is working with women’s safety activist Sharon Gaffka to give members of the public an insight into how the force deals with sexual assault through Sexual Assault Referral Centres.
The centres offer specialist medical and forensic services to anyone who has been the victim of rape or sexual assault for free, largely provided by the NHS.
Those attending receive specialist medical care and support as well as providing evidence for police investigations, much of which is time-sensitive.
The partnership sees the force working with Ms Gaffka to raise awareness of which services the police offer to tackle violence against women.
They’re also aiming to help younger audiences engage with the services through Ms Gaffka’s social media following, as they are less likely to seek help from the police.
She lives within Thames Valley and campaigns for women’s safety following her appearances on the seventh series of ITV’s reality show Love Island.
Thames Valley Police currently has two referral centres, one in Bicester and one in Slough
Ms Gaffka said: “My first visit to a SARC filled me with conflicting emotions, on the day of filming, I had de-sensitised myself to what had taken place before and what could take place when I leave.
“For me, it was important to be able to do that because I understood how vital this piece of work is.”
She explained: “I don’t think it had sunk in until the next day, when I realised how little knowledge there was on such a vital service, and how people that are close to me, previously would’ve benefitted from its existence.
“Speaking to the lead SARC manager, who is a nurse and crisis worker, throughout the day made me realise that even though the circumstances of attending one of these centres is abhorrent, being in the building itself is not as scary as I envisaged.
“It provided me with some comfort that if myself or anyone, ever needed to attend the SARC, you will be believed, free from judgement and empowered to take back your right to choose.”
Detective Superintendent Stu Bosley, Head of Rape and Sexual Offences Investigation, said: “This project looks into the SARC and what victims of rape and sexual assault will experience if they visit one.
“By providing this insight, we hope it helps to raise awareness of the process, alleviate certain fears around the unknown and will help to make people feel empowered to make informed decisions.
“Our partnership with Sharon has helped us to reach our younger communities and aims to improve the trust that has been damaged in relation to violence against women and girls.
He continued: “However, we know that people of all genders can be victims of rape and sexual assault, so we hope to provide that reassurance to all communities across the Thames Valley.
“Sharon’s relentless campaigning around drink spiking, women’s rights and the recent launch of her female empowerment podcast ‘Girls Know Nothing’ makes her a trusted ambassador to help us achieve this.
“We are determined to do the very best for victims of rape and sexual assault to improve the support we give to you.”
For information about how to find and use a Sexual Assault Referral Centre, visit: www.nhs.uk/service-search
You can find out more information about the centres through Sharon Gaffka’s video in collaboration with TVP and the NHS via her Youtube channel.
