Dan Rogerson MP for North Cornwall

Victims of rape and sexual assault too often receive an insensitive, substandard service, according to North Cornwall’s MP, Dan Rogerson.

During a visit to the Women’s Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre in Bodmin, the local Liberal Democrat MP heard harrowing accounts from victims of rape and sexual abuse, not just of the attacks they had suffered but of the treatment they later received from the police and other agencies.

Staff at the centre gave Mr Rogerson an update on their campaigning work, which aims to see victims better supported both in the healthcare and the judicial systems.

Commenting after the meeting, Mr Rogerson said:

“Rape is one of the worst crimes of all.  Victims are left with the physical and psychological effects of the attack for ever afterwards.

“It’s vital there are systems in place to make sure victims are given adequate support from the moment they make contact with the police.

“In particular, in our own area it’s important that women are immediately put in touch with the excellent Women’s Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre, whose expert counsellors can provide support and information.

“The Centre also deals with people who have a history of sexual abuse, which all too often occurs in the family home.  Those who have suffered it need help to restore their trust in people, and to build new relationships, where past ones been exploitative and abusive.”