Sexual Assault Referral Centres
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of passing responsibility for the commissioning of Sexual Assault Referral Centres to Local Authorities when Police and Crime Commissioners are abolished.
Answered by Natalie Fleet
We recognise the devastating impact that sexual violence can have and are absolutely committed to tackling rape and sexual offences and securing the best possible outcomes for victims, including access to Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) which provide forensic, medical and emotional support.
We also acknowledge the important role Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs), and Mayors play in commissioning vital support services for victims, including SARCs. We are committed to ensuring continuity of support for victims as police governance functions are transferred to existing local governance structures. We are working closely with the Ministry of Justice, the Department of Health and Social Care, and NHS England to determine how these responsibilities will operate under the new arrangements.
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