A dedicated unit to investigate serious sexual assaults is now up and running in Portsmouth—and is the first of its kind outside of London.
The “Crystal” Unit as it is being known, is based at Fratton police station. It's a Home Office funded pilot project and has been set up in recognition of the need to improve detections, outcomes and customer satisfaction.
The unit's staff will deal solely with serious sexual assault investigations. A Detective Inspector leads six Detective Constables, two Detective Sergeants and four Sexual Offence Trained Investigators.Dedicated CPS lawyers are working with the unit from an early stage in a bid to improve the strength of cases put before the courts.
Staff on the Crystal Unit will also be working closely with partnership agencies such as the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), known as Treetops, in Cosham, and Portsmouth City Council’s Early Intervention Project.
Treetops provides a professional client focused service, with on site crisis intervention, specialist forensic medical examinations and referral to appropriate medical and specialist counselling services. If someone is undecided about whether to report a rape or serious sexual offence to the police, they have the option of contacting Treetops direct on 023 9221 0352 for support from the Early Intervention Project team and the Young Persons Worker.
The Early Intervention Project is a Portsmouth City Council initiative providing support to women and men who experience sexual violence and or domestic abuse. An Independent Sexual Violence Advocate (ISVA) is working in the Crystal Unit. The key element to their role is the independence—the advocate there to support the survivor through the process both practically and emotionally. They will additionally provide support and options on the use of the special measures within the court system and attend court with the survivor if required.
The Crystal Unit will be under scrutiny from the Home Office and the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) to ensure that best practice is taken forward nationally.
More information about the SARC (The Treetops Centre) can be found on their website: http://www.treetopscentre.co.uk/
If you are or have been a victim of a serious sexual assault then please contact the Crystal Unit on 023 9289 9098. In an emergency always call 999.
