Assault victims face 140-mile journey for support

Some victims of sexual assault are facing journeys of up to 140 miles (225km) to access support while a county's only referral centre is being upgraded.

The Swindon and Wiltshire Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) - which is based in Swindon - serves the entire county.

Victims in Wiltshire are being offered appointments at the Gloucester SARC instead - with a spokesperson for the Wiltshire and Swindon PCC calling it a "temporary diversion" and "not a reduction in service".

The works - set to last at least six months - come as part of a nationwide programme to upgrade all SARC facilities to meet the latest Forensic Service Requirement standards.

Wiltshire's temporary closure means Swindon victims face up to an extra 80 miles (129 km) to travel to access specialist support, while Salisbury victims face up to 140 miles (225 km), according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

The centre is part-funded by £360,000 a year from the PCC and is operated by First Light, a specialist organisation.

NHS England contributes a further £240,000 to cover the £600,000 annual running cost of the service.

The PCC spokesperson said SARC services for Swindon and Wiltshire residents will "remain fully available".

"Every existing referral number and the round-the-clock advice line remain active and unchanged throughout the closure period," they said.

"The Wiltshire team as far as possible is relocating to Gloucester as a unit. Clients will be supported by staff they already know," they added.

SARC offers counselling and, if they choose, forensic examination for victims, providing evidence to assist police in criminal investigations.

All victims of sexual violence, regardless of gender, can seek support from the SARC without reporting to police.

No reopening date for the Swindon site has been set, but work is expected to take at least six months.

If Gloucester is unsuitable, victims can be seen at alternative sites, with transport covered by the service.

Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.