VICTIMS of sexual abuse have praised a pioneering new live video link launched in County Durham.

The video link at the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (Sarc) near Durham allows women and men who have been sexually assaulted to give their evidence without entering a court building.

As revealed in The Northern Echo on Saturday, Durham Police is the first force in the country to offer the system which was introduced following work from, among others, Sarc manager Beverley Stoker and the Recorder of Durham, His Honour Christopher Prince.

The link means sexual assault victims can now get justice without entering a police station, a hospital or a court building.

The Northern Echo: UNIT: The live link is housed within the sexual assault referral centre near Durham. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT.
UNIT: The live link is housed within the sexual assault referral centre near Durham. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

Several women and children have already used the link and have heaped praise on the service.

They have said:

  • Attending court didn't affect me until I came face to face with the accused. The court was cancelled until the next day when I was given the option to come here to the remote live link which was much better.
  • I felt much more at ease attending here rather than the court, first knowing the accused wouldn't be there and also because I felt safe.
  • I would have clammed up if I'd had to got to court. It would have been too overwhelming.
  • It's a much more relaxed atmosphere.

Mrs Stoker said everything about the unit which housed the live link was designed with the welfare of the victim in mind.

The centre had comfortable furniture and toys for children to play with including games consoles homely, while even the paint on the walls had been chosen to be soothing.

Counselling is available, staff are on hand to help with housing problems, benefits, medical issues, HIV tests and emergency contraception if necessary.

"We're trying to make a horrendous experience a little bit easier," said Mrs Stoker.

"Victims needs to be looked after. If they do want to go to court we can help with that, by for example taking them in before the hearing to show them around. If not we have the live link."

If you have experienced sexual assault and need support please call the police on 999 in emergency or 101. Alternatively, call the Sexual Assault Referral Centre 0191-301-8554.