Our team, Charlotte Parish, Regional SARC Director (Midlands), Emma Campbell, Keeley Roe and Jasmine Newton, Associate Heads of Healthcare recently participated in Cellmark’s Sexual Offences Conference: Unlocking Forensic Potential in Rape & Sexual Offence Cases. This one-day event brought together professionals from various sectors including police investigators, forensic medical practitioners, and prosecutors. Held at the iconic Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham, the conference served as a platform for sharing insights, strategies, and advancements in handling sexual offense cases.
A highlight of the conference was the presentation by Jasmine Newton, Associate Head of Healthcare(Midlands) at Mountain Healthcare. Jasmine’s session, titled “Getting it Right from the Start: The Critical Role of the SARC in Sexual Offence Investigations,” shed light on crucial aspects of SARC (Sexual Assault Referral Centre) operations and their significance in supporting survivors of rape and sexual assault. Her presentation encompassed three key areas:
- Supportive Role of SARC: Elaborating on the role and approach of SARCs in providing comprehensive support to clients during the acute aftermath of sexual offences. This included addressing immediate medical and emotional needs, ensuring confidentiality, and facilitating access to necessary services.
- Evidence Recovery and Documentation: Delving into the meticulous process of evidence recovery, documentation, and interpretation within the SARC environment.
- Collaborative Working: Emphasising the significance of collaborative efforts among various stakeholders to maximise the impact and reach of SARC services. By fostering partnerships with law enforcement, medical professionals, and support agencies, SARCs can offer more holistic care and enhance outcomes for survivors.
Finally, Jasmine concluded her presentation by providing insights into the Forensic Science Regulator (FSR) statutory code of practice and its implications for SARC services. This regulatory framework aims to uphold standards of quality and integrity in forensic procedures, thereby ensuring fairness and accuracy in the criminal justice system.
It was a great opportunity for the team to represent Mountain Healthcare at such a significant conference. The event served as a forum for exchanging ideas, forging collaborations, and advancing collective efforts in combating sexual violence.
