Revealed: true scale of attacks on under-16s

Published on Saturday 2 February 2008 19:04

ONE in eight rape victims treated at a specialist centre in Scotland is under 15 years old, new figures reveal.

May Deanie runs the Archway Project in Glasgow, the country's first one-stop centre for sexual assault victims, where they can be examined, receive counselling and be given health advice. The groundbreaking work which they offer is available around-the-clock to patients – both male and female – from the surrounding area without the need for referral from the police.

Based in the city's West End, it is almost a year since the project opened its doors and, in that time, they have helped 160 victims, of whom eight were men. However, a further 20 were girls aged between 13 and 15 years old.

Isabelle Kerr, at Rape Crisis Scotland, said the appalling statistic does not surprise her. She added: "I think it just shows that young people are just as vulnerable. There is no specific profile or age group for a rape victim."

Deanie said the Archway Project, which has received widespread praise for its work, showed the extent of the problem in Scotland. She added: "It is the tip of the iceberg (the people] who come forward, but there are lots of different issues affecting why this is. Some do not want to go through the courts process, some blame themselves, others fear ridicule from their families. Some simply prefer to forget."

Deanie continued: "The perception of rapists is that it is a stranger in the bushes, but in reality there is a huge variety in offenders. Rape and sexual assault can happen to anyone, irrespective of age, disability, gender, age, ethnicity, religion, faith or sexual orientation."

It is estimated that about one-third of the Archway's patients have gone direct to the clinic instead of being referred there after attending a police station. And its supporters say this indicates that many victims do not feel able to talk to the police about their ordeal.

One rule which the Archway insists on is that all its patients attend within seven days of being assaulted. This is because it allows the centre to gather potentially vital evidence which could be used in any subsequent prosecution.

After an initial consultation, the Archway Project offers victims the chance of a forensic examination and the option to store samples, therefore allowing the victim time to decide whether to press charges.

Other services available include follow-up testing for sexually transmitted diseases, counselling and legal help as well as referral to other support agencies, if required.

The project staff includes two consultant doctors, a specialist sexual health nurse, a full-time counsellor, as well as a team of specialist forensic examiners.

Translators can also be called upon to work with victims from other parts of the world.

&#149 Rape Crisis Scotland Helpline: Freephone 08088 01 03 02. Open daily 6pm-midnight.