North west needs own rape centre

The centre would offer advice and help to victims of sexual assault

Fresh calls have been made for a centre to be built in Londonderry to deal with victims of sexual assault.

Community workers will meet with PSNI Chief Constable Hugh Orde to lobby for a Sexual Assault Referral Centre.

Currently people have to travel outside the city for police interviews, medical examinations and counselling.

Marie Brown, from Foyle Women's Aid, said having to travel to Belfast for assistance added to the level of distress for victims.

"We only have one forensic medical officer and if she's not available then they have to go to Belfast," she added.

The call for a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) to be built in Derry has been backed by Foyle MLA Raymond McCartney.

"The trauma women experience as a result of sexual assault should not be exacerbated by having to travel for examination and counselling in the immediate aftermath of such an attack," he said.

Mr McCartney said with a rise in the number of attacks across Derry, Donegal and the West Tyrone region it was unacceptable that there is no SARC in the North west.

"We must treat these attacks with the utmost seriousness and sensitivity by making sure that victims have immediate and local access to trauma and counselling services."

Raymond McCartney will meet with Hugh Orde along with Marie Brown to discuss the impact of such a centre for the North West.

It is hoped having a SARC would encourage more victims to report sexual assaults.