Cumbria’s newly elected Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall, has praised the Bridgeway Sexual Assault Service.
He recently visited The Bridgeway Centre in Penrith and went on a tour of the building where he was shown what a victim of rape or sexual assaults would experience when attending the facility.
The centre is part of the Bridgeway Sexual Assault Service which was launched last December.
It has a number of specially trained staff who provide emotional, practical and therapeutic support across the county.
Mr McCall said: “I am very impressed to see first-hand this exceptional facility which has been designed specifically with the needs of victims, survivors and their families in mind. It will provide a safe, comfortable environment during what would undoubtedly be destressing time for them.”
“Speaking to the staff there has shown me how dedicated and caring they are, I was impressed with how focussed they are on making people feel comfortable and taking things at their pace.”
“We hope that by raising awareness about the Bridgeway services that those affected by rape or sexual assault will have the confidence to come forward, safe in the knowledge and that the serviced they need are readily available to them.”
Since opening, the service has helped more than 200 victims and survivors of sexual assault.
To contact The Bridgeway call the 24/7 helpline on 0808 118 6432.