Additional funding is being provided to enable Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCS) to be established in all parts of England and Wales. SARCS enable victims of sexual assault to get immediate medical examinations and treatment, counselling, forensic examinations and legal assistance all in one location.

The Home Secretary has pledged an extra £1.6 million of funding which will provide grants to establish new centres and support existing centres.

There are currently 22 SARCs in England and Wales, and the funding announced this week will help build ten new centres.

More information is available in the Home Office press release.