News / Government to review sexual assault testing
THE SCOTTISH Government has confirmed that it is reviewing the way sexual assault victims in the Northern Isles have forensic examinations after the issue was raised in parliament on Thursday.
First minister Nicola Sturgeon made the announcement following questioning by Shetland MSP Tavish Scott at Holyrood after concerns were raised recently by Rape Crisis Scotland over how victims have to travel to the Scottish mainland for testing after being assaulted.
Efforts have been made this week by NHS Shetland, the police, Shetland Rape Crisis and other partners to explore how forensic testing could be provided locally.
At the moment, victims of rape or sexual assault in Shetland are escorted by police on a flight or the overnight ferry to Aberdeen and are unable to wash themselves until they are tested.
During first minister’s questions on Thursday, Scott asked Sturgeon to make medical equipment and training for staff available in Shetland.
The first minister responded: “I do very much agree with the sentiments behind Tavish Scott’s question.
“We’re reviewing the way that forensic examinations are undertaken for victims of rape to ensure that they are done appropriately and sensitively.
“I understand absolutely that there are particular issues, and indeed particular challenges, when we’re dealing with our island communities, but somebody who has been the victim of rape in an island community has just the same right to the access of justice as the victim of rape anywhere else.
“We will continue to work with Rape Crisis Scotland and other organisations to make progress on these issues and I will be more than happy to ask the justice secretary to discuss the issues as they relate particularly to Shetland with Tavish Scott in more detail.”
Speaking after first minister’s questions, Scott called on the government to now make a firm commitment to provide facilities and training to enable tests to be undertaken in Lerwick.
“I look forward to meeting with the justice secretary in the coming weeks to discuss what practical steps can be taken to ensure survivors are supported without the need for a traumatic trip to the mainland,” he said.
In 2014 the budget for testing was transferred to the health service, and before that police bought in forensics from the NHS.
At the moment, victims in the Western Isles do not need to travel to the mainland for testing and Gray added that she feels NHS Shetland may be edging closer to following suit.
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