New centre will aid sexual assault victims

Work is almost complete on the new regional sexual assault referral centre at Antrim Hospital.

The building, which is due to open in the spring, will be the first of its kind, serving the whole of Northern Ireland.

It will provide 24-hour care and support, 365 days a year to victims in the aftermath of sexual assault whether recent or in the past.

The project is a joint initiative between the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety.

Sean Donaghy, chief executive of the Northern Health and Social Care Trust, said: “The new sexual assault referral centre at Antrim Area Hospital will provide victims with care in the immediate aftermath of a sexual assault, rape or childhood sexual abuse. The specialist staff, trained in caring for victims of sexual abuse, will deliver high standards of care to those using the centre.”