29549-30RAPE victims will soon be able to access medical services without having to get the police involved. The Swindon Sanctuary based at Taw Hill Medical Centre has been in operation since March 2002.

But strict protocol requires victims to first seek referrals from the police.

From April 6 red tape will be cut, allowing the centre to accept referrals direct from health sources, like GP surgeries and the Great Western Hospital.

The sanctuary is one of only three centres in England and Wales to get £70,000 cash from the Government's Victim Fund money confiscated from villains.

The cash will enable Dr Peter Crouch and his team to establish a cutting-edge Sexual Assault Referral Centre.

Qualified staff including a chaperone will continue to offer emotional support to victims and advise them on emergency contraception.

Dr Crouch said: "Many people are put off going to the police. They want the health care but do not want to report it.

"From April when the money kicks in any man, woman or child can be referred to the centre via their GP, the A&E department or the doctors' out-of-hours service.

"It's a big leap forward and it should encourage more people to come forward."

New research shows four-out-of-five sex attacks would go unreported if the only avenue was the police.

Ministers believe the centre can help reduce the gap between the reporting of rape and convictions by improving confidence in the way such crimes are investigated.

Home Office minister Baroness Scotland said: "Sexual violence is a horrific crime which deeply affects the lives of victims and their families.

"Sexual Assault Referral Centres are widely recognised as the way forward for the provision of acute services to victims of rape and sexual assault.

"Victims can be confident that their case will be treated with the professionalism and empathy they deserve."

Anyone wanting further information can visit www. swindonsanctuary.com

Kevin Shoesmith