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Minister for Children and Families Malarndirri McCarthy today inspected Darwin’s newly renovated Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), one of three new facilities in the Territory this year.

 

“These new facilities are a major improvement for SARC personnel and clients, in Alice Springs, Tennant Creek and Darwin,” Ms McCarthy said.

 

“They offer a greater capacity to provide counselling support and medical assistance for people who have experienced the trauma of sexual assault.

 

“Sexual assault is a criminal act that has a profound impact on anyone who experiences it.

 

“SARC centres provide professional and confidential support in the form of counselling and medical assistance services to all Territorians who have experienced recent or past sexual assault.

 

“The SARC centres offer a 24 hour crisis service staffed by specialist doctors and counsellors available to respond immediately to cases of sexual assault.

 

“Sexual assault is an incredibly sensitive and delicate issue, and those who have experienced it need to be treated with respect and dignity.

 

“The aftermath can involve a challenging personal journey as well as a legal process, and victims need professional and sensitive support from experienced counsellors.”

 

An enhanced SARC service was one of the recommendations of the Little Children are Sacred Report which called for an increase in capacity and resources of Sexual Assault Referral Centres.

 

“The NT Government continues to close the gap on Indigenous disadvantage by increasing the SARC funding to ensure an expanded capacity over a five-year period,” Ms McCarthy said.

 

“This increase includes $1.3 million to develop these new facilities.”

 

For a list of SARC locations in the Northern Territory visit www.health.nt.gov.au/Service_Locator/index.aspx.

 

Media Contact: Natasha Fyles 04488 66312

 

Related files:
McCarthy.25.09.SARC.pdf ( 313.16 kb )