News / Rape crisis group hails new national forensics standards
SHETLAND Rape Crisis has expressed “delight” at the introduction of new national standards for forensic medical examinations and a Scottish Government funding package for its implementation.
Published by Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS), the government says the standards will ensure that victims – regardless of age, circumstances or geography – experience a high standard of care aimed at reducing the likelihood of further trauma.
It is backed by a £2.25 million funding package to help health boards to implement the national standards.
Linda Gray of Rape Crisis Shetland said: “For areas geographically challenged like Shetland this will transform the access to timely, high quality support and person-centred care for survivors of rape and sexual violence.”
Rape crisis workers had previously expressed concern that some victims were being put off from reporting incidents in order to avoid the ordeal of travelling south for testing.
Matheson said this week: “We know the immediate and long-term physical and psychological consequences of rape can be considerable and we are aware that current services for rape victims may not always be focused on their needs.
“These standards will ensure consistency in approach to healthcare and forensic medical services and will reinforce the high-quality care anyone should expect after experiencing rape or sexual assault.”
Sandy Brindley of Rape Crisis Scotland said the new standards “have the potential to transform the support and care people receive after a rape or sexual assault. The funding to help implement the standards across the country is very welcome.”
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
