The Women’s Resource Centre and police have teamed up to advise those who have been sexually assaulted on where to turn for help, and reassure them about the process.In a joint statement, Markland Telemaque, the officer in charge of the police Vulnerable Persons Unit and Elaine Williams, Executive Director of the Women’s Resource Centre [WRC] said: “For those who have been sexually assaulted, there is a caring, compassionate and experienced response system in place, the SART [Sexual Assault Response Team].”They explained: “The SART Team consists of a highly skilled collaborative effort of the Bermuda Police, trained forensic nurses and the Women’s Resource Centre. If the victim is a child, Child and Family Services will attend the call-out.“Once the crime has been reported, the police activate the response team and the victim attends a special location at the hospital where a statement is taken and they are examined by a skilled forensic nurse who is also trained to understand what the victim is going through. Evidence is then taken while ensuring that the victim is as comfortable as possible.”They advised that it is best for the victim to report the crime as soon as possible in order to avoid the destruction of evidence which could lead to a conviction, but that new forensic kits can secure evidence up to five days after the crime.They added: “Even if the victim has to identify a perpetrator out of a line-up, it is now being done via an electronic profile, eliminating the need for a face-to-face confrontation. Victims are encouraged to avoid washing and destruction of clothing and underwear in order to preserve the best evidence possible.“Even if a few days have passed, victims are encouraged to report the crime and allow the experts to make the decision concerning the evidence. The victim’s safety and confidentiality are paramount, and there is no reason for a victim to hesitate in coming forward. As part of the process, the police try to keep the victim abreast of the progress of the investigation.”The WRC can support the victim through the process of the examination and provide counselling afterwards. Other agencies such as the Centre Against Abuse, which has a safe house, can also be brought in to help ensure the security of the victim.“We wish to note that not only females are victims of sexual assault. Men can be victims of sexual assault as well, but tend not to report it. This is an underreported crime and the SART response is available for everyone,” they added.“We urge any victim of sexual assault not to hesitate in coming forward. Having the best possible support can greatly assist in the process of healing. We also want to let the public know that we are very capable and willing to help anyone through this traumatic experience while a victim attempts to get their life back together.”l To report a sexual assault, call the police on 911 or any of the branch stations. For counselling and support, the Women’s Resource Centre can be reached between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday at 295-3882, or by calling the 24 hour hotline at 295-7273.