Lisa Townsend, Surrey Commissioner, recently visited the Solace Centre in Cobham, Surrey's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, with local MP Dominic Raab.
They met with staff who work at the centre, and heard about the work that they do supporting up to 40 survivors each month.
Surrey's Sexual Assault Referral Centre is open to anyone who has experienced recent or historic sexual abuse or rape, whether an adult or young person. There is no requirement to have reported it to the police and it is possible to self-refer for support a the centre.
Lisa said,
"Preventing violence against women and girls is a key priority of mine, and it was great to hear about the challenging but vitally important work they do to support survivors of sexual violence.
Those who work at the SARC are on the frontlines of this terrible battle, and I’d like to thank them for everything they do to support survivors.
“Convictions for sexual violence in Surrey and the wider UK are shockingly low – fewer than four per cent of survivors will see their abuser convicted.
That is something that has to change, and in Surrey, the Force is dedicated to bringing many more of these criminals to justice.
However, those who aren’t ready to disclose offences to the police can still access all of The Solace Centre’s services, even if they book anonymously.
I would urge anyone suffering in silence to come forward. They’ll find help and kindness, both from our officers in Surrey if they do decide to speak to the police, and from the team here at the SARC.
We will always treat this crime with the utmost seriousness it deserves. Men, women and children who are suffering are not alone.”
More information on the work they do can be found on their website.
