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A new centre is due to open in Gloucester to help victims of sexual assault and rape.
Hope House Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) will provide a place where victims can receive medical care, counselling and police services.
It is thought SARC is the only centre in England connected to a hospital and its sexual health services.
A person who has experienced sexual assault or rape can visit SARC or can make contact by telephone.
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SARC SERVICES
A comprehensive contraception service (no appointment needed)
The county Pregnancy Advisory and Abortion Service
Genito Urinary Medicine walk-in clinics every day of the week and booked appointments to check for sexually transmitted infection
The County HIV and Hepatitis C out patient and testing service
The Gloucestershire Chlamydia Screening Programme hub, offering free, self-taken tests
The Sexual Assault Referral Centre
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The victim of the assault can also be referred - but only with their consent - by organisations such as the police, voluntary and victim support groups, schools, colleges, hospital A&E departments and GP surgeries.
Gloucestershire Police Chief Constable Dr Timothy Brain said: "We already know victims of sexual assault benefit from the way in which they are supported through the traumatic events following such an assault.
"Hope House SARC is a place which will dramatically improve the way victims of rape and sexual assault are supported both by the police and health services."
Sandie Johnson, Hope House SARC Manager, said: "The new build brings together all of the specialist Sexual Health Services that were housed on the Gloucestershire Royal site and in nearby locations.
"It will support further development of a modern, efficient, integrated Sexual Health Service for the benefit of the local population."
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