Ensuring victims of sexual violence get the best quality support, advice and medical care, upgrades to minimise contamination and preserve forensics have been delivered to a sexual assault referral centre (SARC) in Worcestershire.
Accessible to anyone who has experienced rape or sexual assault, Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion has invested more than £350,000 to enable The Glade, Bransford to meet the latest industry standards, a year before they come into force.
Following its reopening, the PCC visited the centre on Wednesday 18 December to see the completed work delivered by his Estates Team.
PCC John Campion said: “I am proud that my investment has meant the centre at Bransford is the first in the West Midlands to be ready for accreditation.
“At the heart of my Safer Communities Plan is a focus on ensuring victims get the support they need to get the justice they deserve.
“SARCs perform a crucial role in the journey of a sexual violence victim, with the centre ensuring they have a safe space to talk, can seek specialist support as well as provide forensic evidence which can be used confidently in court to get a conviction.”
Self-referrals can be made to the SARC by visiting – https://theglade.org.uk/
The PCC is also funding redevelopment work to the SARC in Telford and Wrekin which will ensure it complies with accreditation standards issued by the Forensic Science Regulator before the deadline of October 2025.
