RAPE FEATURE:STAFF at the Swindon Sanctuary have been offering consultations out of practice hours at the Taw Hill Surgery since March.

These give victims the chance to be examined, comforted and, if they wish, to give evidence to the police away from the often imposing surroundings of the police station. It is a system that seems to be helping.

"Although we're still quite a new facility, July marked a significant increase in the number of victims coming to the Centre 10 people in all," says Dr Crouch.

"And we are hoping that as more people become aware of what we do here, more will find the strength to come forward to report attacks."

The Sanctuary is a registered charity and is the result of a link between Wiltshire Constabulary and the Wiltshire Health Authority.

It is the first facility of its kind in the country. Volunteers are on call to open and prepare the centre when a request is made by the police, often early in the morning.

"At the Sanctuary we try to provide an environment where victims can receive quality medical care in a kind and sensitive way as possible," explains Dr Crouch.

"Before the Sanctuary was set up, people had to go to the police station to be examined. Now they can report the crime at the station and be brought to the centre by a police officer for their examination.

"We have doctors who can speak to them in confidence, perform examinat-ions where the alleged victim remains in control.

"They can then use a proper shower and speak to someone in confidence, whether or not they decide to take the matter further legally. Children and adults have told us that even after an examination, the way in which they are treated here, leaves them no longer feeling dirty."

The sanctuary has a comfortable reception area where the victim's family or friends can have a hot drink while the examination takes place.

The shower offers small touches such as a range of toiletries and bathrobes.

The centre also houses a ground-breaking piece of equipment used in the examination of rape victims called a colposcope. It is similar to a large microscope on wheels and means that a police doctor can carry out the examination of sensitive areas of the body without needing to make contact or go very near to the area concerned.

With the victim's permission, the pictures it takes can also be used as evidence of the attack in court. It can also be used for doctors to seek a second opinion without the need for a second examination.

Jane Loveday is one of eight Taw Hill practice receptionists who work as volunteers at The Sanctuary.

She said: "We offer a warm friendly and comforting environment for people who have undergone this terrible trauma. A lot of the time, the people who come in to us are extremely upset.

"But, after being examined, we can offer them a shower, clothes, the chance to wash and dry their hair all things that can make them feel a little better than they did when they came in."

Staffed by seven doctors and eight volunteer receptionists, the centre and its staff can also advise on medical matters following an assault, such as emergency contraception and screening for sexually transmitted diseases.

The Sanctuary is open from 7pm to 7am and all weekend.

Where to go to get help

Wiltshire Victim Support. Open Tuesday and Thursday 7pm-10pm, Thursday 9.30am-12.30pm and Sunday 2pm-4pm. Call freephone helpline 0808 800 1144 or to speak to a volunteer out of hours call 01380 729476. Internet Link: www.rapeline.org.uk/helpline4.htm

Swindon Survivors for male victims of sexual assault. Open Wednesday 7pm-9pm. Call Swindon 878316. Internet Link: www.survivorsswindon.com

The Sanctuary. Call Swindon 709512. Internet Link: www.tawhillsurgery.com/SwindonSanctuary/faq.html