“Victims of sexual assaults are more isolated than ever”

Friday 24 April 2020

Survivors of sexual assault are being reminded they're not alone and can still report offences, after the number of reports dropped by 80% this month.

Police say they have received no reports of sexual offences since the ‘Stay Home Order’ came into effect at the end of March.

During the same period last year, they received six reports. 

The Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) at Dewberry House says it has encountered a similar issue, with the number of reports dropping by 80%, from 15 in March to three so far this month. 

Whilst the falling number of reports may appear to be a good thing, the SARC Manager Laura Osmand says it is actually a cause of great concern.

Pictured: The SARC is based at Dewberry House, 6 Plaisance Terrace on La Route du Fort.

“One of the impacts of covid-19 is that victims of Sexual Assaults are more isolated than ever and can struggle to access the support they require,” she said.

Ms Osmand assured that the team of Forensic Medical Examiners and Crisis Workers are still here to support whoever needs it, whether they report to the Police or choose to self-refer. 

The States of Jersey Police is also fully operational and able to process any reports of sexual offences.

“The centre is still offering forensic medical examinations for both adults and children, and this will continue into the future,” Ms Osmand added.

“For anyone who may have experienced sexual assault recently or in the past, we are here for you. You can call our helpline number 24 hours a day or email us. 

“Please do not suffer alone; we listen, we hear and we’ll support you at this challenging time. 

The SARC can be contacted 24/7 on 888222. More information is available on their website. 

Police can be contacted on 612612, or, in case of an emergency, on 999.