Improved services for sexual crime complainers and victims

Jeane Freeman

The Scottish government will provide the money over the next three years to help health boards deliver better services for victims. In this financial year, £2.5m will be used to recruit workforce, provide training and create facilities.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “I want to see compassionate healthcare and support should be as close as possible to the point of need. Our Taskforce is driving improvement in this important area and they are on track with their five-year plan.

“I am particularly encouraged to see the progress NHS Forth Valley are making with the development of their new service for victims of sexual crime, which has been supported by Scottish government funding.

“The commitment of the team to progress this and share their learning with other health boards is just one example of how we can make improvements for victims of sexual crime a reality.”

Cathie Cowan, NHS Forth Valley’s chief executive, added: “Our new centre, which will be known as the Meadows, has been specifically designed with the needs of users in mind.

“It will contain a forensic suite as well as a specialist area to meet the needs of children. It will also have police interview facilities for both children and adults and specially-trained staff to help deal with trauma and provide ongoing support.

“The development of this important new facility, which is due to open in April 2019, is the result of close working with a number of partners, including Police Scotland and Rape Crisis and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved.”