UNACCEPTABLE
Watchdog slams services for rape victims after Record highlights isle women’s ordeal
SERVICES for rape victims in Scotland have been branded “unacceptable” by a Government watchdog after the Daily Record exposed a postcode lottery of treatment.
We told how rape victims from Scotland’s northern islands are forced to travel unwashed and hungry to the mainland for forensic examinations.
Now, an HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland review has found there is “much more to be done” by the police and the NHS for the service to be consistent across the country.
Women from Orkney and Shetland are taken with a police escort on a passenger flight or ferry to Aberdeen as there are no forensic facilities on islands.
They are told not to wash, drink or eat before their examination as vital trace evidence can be lost. Experts claim the ordeal may stop victims coming forward.
The review said Scotland is “well behind” the rest of the UK in terms of facilities which meet the needs of rape victims and necessary forensic requirements.
In a reference to the Record’s exclusive story, the inspectors highlighted how a lack of availability of services in some locations could mean lengthy journeys for victims.
The report added: “Significant variations in the provision of forensic medical services in Scotland persist, with issues of availability as well as geography making the quality of service offered to some victims of sexual crime unacceptable.
“Lack of availability of services locally leads to delays and lengthy journeys for victims of sexual crime, who can be asked not to wash for a day or more after an assault.”
The Scottish Government said an expert group, chaired by Chief Medical Officer Dr Catherine Calderwood, is being set up to drive improvements in the provision of health services for victims of rape and sexual assault.
Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said: “The provision of services for victims of rape and sexual assault is provided by motivated and committed professionals but more needs to be done to create a consistently high standard of service across Scotland.”
Rape Crisis Scotland coordinator Sandy Brindley welcomed the review and added all victims should be offered an examination in a suitable environment by a female doctor.
She said: “No matter where someone lives in Scotland, they should be able to expect a basic level of service. We hope the new implementation group will lead to meaningful change.”
Health Secretary Shona Robison added: “It is important we look at how we ensure survivors of sexual crimes across Scotland are able to access skilled and empathetic professionals, regardless of where they are in the country.”