The Rowan launch their first Annual Report

The Rowan, Regional Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) for Northern Ireland has recently launched its first Annual Report.

The Rowan is a specialist regional facility managed by the Northern Health and Social Care Trust (NHSCT), and jointly funded by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

520 individuals were referred into the Rowan in this first year, with a further 78 individuals seeking information and / or signposting onwards.

The service is available 24/7, 365 days a year to all victims of sexual violence, irrespective of age or gender. The state of the art building is a specialist regional centre for victims of sexual violence that offers support, a range of medical and forensic services and, if necessary, referral on to other specialist services with whom Rowan staff work closely with.

Since opening, referrals to The Rowan were initially made by the police service only. However, from September 2013 victims, or other interested parties, can contact The Rowan directly on the new free phone helpline number. In these cases, Rowan staff can assist victims, if they choose, to report matters to the police service. For those who are undecided, forensic samples may be stored for up to seven years.

18th March 2018