OPERATION Wellbeing, a pioneering initiative for victims of rape or sexual assault is being launched at Whiston Hospital today (Thursday, December 4).

Now, any woman attending Whiston Hospital who has been subjected to a sexual attack or rape will be given a leaflet which will explain in full what options are available to them. And, if agreeable, a specially-trained woman police officer in plain clothes will be called to the hospital to talk to the victim and support her - regardless of the time.

With the consent of the victim, a pro-forma will be completed to provide details of the offence and, again depending upon the victim's permission, a police doctor - female if preferred - will attend to carry out an examination and take forensic samples.

At no time will the victim be asked to give her name, address or persuaded to make a formal complaint. If she wishes, the victim has the option to walk away without giving any further details, but she can also choose to remain anonymous if she does give details.

If, at a later date, the woman decides she wants to make a formal complaint, police have the vital forensic evidence needed to corroborate her story. But should she choose to have no further contact with the police, officers will at least have some idea of where the crimes are being committed and the nature of the attack. This will enable Merseyside Police to gather information for offender profiling, helping officers to obtain an accurate picture of rape and sexual crime in the area instead of relying solely on reported incidents. The victim will never be asked to attend a police station, family support unit or rape suite, and a special room has been set aside at the hospital to deal with traumatised victims sensitively.

Operation Wellbeing - the brain child of Superintendent Phil Jones a former DCI at St Helens - has been established by two officers from St Helens, Detective Sergeant Sue Ford and Sergeant Mary Ellison. It is not intended to replace existing procedures, but is there to support them and reaches out to women who would not go to the police in this situation.

Superintendent Anne Moore, Area Commander for St Helens, said: "It will allow the woman to actually take control of the situation by offering her choices and anonymity, something she didn't really have before. We are looking to provide comfort and support at a time when a woman is at her most vulnerable."

Chair of St Helens and Knowsley Hospitals, Diane Charnock, explained: "Hopefully, this is the first of many ventures between Merseyside Police and ourselves. It highlights that St Helens and Knowsley Hospitals is sensitive to women's needs and that is why every possible facility has been made available to minimise the fear of reporting an assault and reduce the shock and degradation associated with these crimes."

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