THE interview of a rape victim by Thames Valley police officers in a hard-hitting television documentary 20 years ago was a landmark event.

It exposed a system of care for rape victims that was, at its best, inadequate. Lancashire now has the country's first purpose-built centre.

Reporter Theresa Robson attended the opening ceremony...

A CHANCE conversation between a top doctor and former police boss led to the changes which will revolutionise the way sex offence victims in Lancashire are cared for.

When Dr Christine Bassindale, consultant forensic physician at the Royal Preston Hospital, bemoaned the lack of quality facilities for rape victims, she found a sympathetic ear in former Lancashire chief constable Pauline Clare.

The vision of the two women for a state-of-the-art centre based in Lancashire came to fruition on Tuesday, when the Princess Royal unveiled a plaque at the £300,000 site.

The Lancashire SAFE (Sexual Assault Forensic Examination) Centre will provide a comprehensive support service for women, men and adolescents from throughout the county making complaints of rape or sexual assault.

The centre is a joint initiative between the Royal Preston Hospital, Lancashire Constabulary and Lancashire charity the Trevor Hemmings Foundation, formed by the Chorley-based developer.

More than 95 complainants have been examined, 60 of whom have received counselling, since the centre started operating in July.

Dr Bassindale said: "An enormous amount of planning and hard work has gone into this project from all the individuals and organisations involved.

"We now have a facility which will provide sexual assault complainants with a comprehensive and fully co-ordinated forensic, medical and aftercare service that is easily accessible."

The SAFE Centre offers state-of-the-art medical examination facilities, ensuring forensic evidence can be collected without contamination, preserved appropriately and used as credible evidence in court.

Detective Chief Superintendent Mike Barton, who is leading the SAFE Centre project for Lancashire Constabulary, said the facility was a fine example of what could be achieved when organisations worked in partnership on behalf of the vulnerable.

"What it will mean in practice is that victims of rape and sexual assault will be met and cared for sympathetically by nurses and other trained staff in a purpose-built environment in dedicated surroundings.

"This will be an improvement on the fragmented service that has been on offer across the UK in the past.

"It emphasises our commitment to ensuring a victim-centred approach, which makes complainants feel safe.

"The centre is the first of its kind in the country and Lancashire Constabulary is proud to have been involved in its development. We look forward to it becoming a centre of excellence," he said.

Dr Bassindale has been appointed clinical director of the centre, which it is anticipated will receive up to 400 referrals a year.

"The referrals will come from the police and other healthcare professionals. In addition, some complainants might refer themselves directly.

"It has been recognised that victims of sexual assault do not always complain to the authorities, so we hope that by providing a safe environment we can give these individuals the confidence to come forward and access the services they need."

A poster and leaflet campaign promoting the centre is now to be launched in the hope rape victims will also approach the centre directly.

"The centre is a comfortable and safe place for rape and sexual assault victims of both genders.

"It offers counselling services, as well as the best possible forensic examination facilities. This is a gold standard facility," Dr Bassindale added.

The official opening of the centre was marked by the unveiling of a plaque by Princess Anne at a ceremony attended by the Vice-Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire William Goodall, Mayor of Preston Jonathan Saksena and Brian Booth, chairman of the Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

Princess Anne said: "This is not an easy area of forensic work, but victims of rape and sexual assault, and their relatives, will benefit from what this excellent centre has to offer."