Over 400 females attend Rowan centre in first year

The Antrim facility is the only regional Sexual Assault and Referral Centre in Northern Ireland and is managed by the Northern Trust, providing a one-stop location for victims who have experienced sexual assault, whether recently or in the past.

Eighty-six per cent of the total attendees to The Rowan in its first year have been women.

In total 446 females attended the Rowan, 173 were children and young people. The age range of females most frequently engaging with the service has been 18-25 year olds.

The centre also provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated package of care to promote recovery and wellbeing with follow-up support and a 24-hour advice and information line.

All children and young people are offered review appointments with Consultant Paediatricians and 86% of girls attended these appointments. There has also been a very high level of engagement with those women over the age of 16 with 74% attending appointments offered to them.

The Rowan can also support service users in making a report to the police, either at the time of the assault or at a later date.

Karen Douglas, Service Manager for the Rowan, commented: “At the Rowan we understand the devastation sexual violence can have on the lives of individuals and families.

“We are pleased that those females who have accessed services have been helped by the care they received. Moving into our second year we want to ensure that everyone affected by sexual violence knows the Rowan is here to help.

“By working together and keeping victims at the heart of the service, we can ensure they receive the best care possible and whatever support they may require to rebuild their lives.”

The Rowan provides services for all victims, including men, regardless of age, ethnicity, ability or sexual orientation.

If anyone wants to contact the Rowan they can phone the team on 0800 389 4424 24/7. Further information on the services provided can be found on The Rowan website at www.therowan.net.