New service launches for sexual assault survivors

A new service to support survivors of sexual abuse has launched.

Iris (Individualised, Recovery & Resilience, Information & Support) opened in Suffolk at the start of October, run by the Suffolk GP Federation.

Louise Elmy, service manager and clinical lead, developed the scheme from another model that aims to avoid re-victimising and re-traumatising, and said it would offer individualised recovery plans.

She said her idea came in 2019 after she visited a specialist centre in London for children who had been sexually abused.

The centre followed the Barnahus model and provided an environment where the child told their story only once with access to a range of professionals who could help them begin their recovery.

"I just thought that's absolutely what should be happening with children, but why shouldn't it happen with adults too?" Ms Elmy said.

"Whilst we couldn't possibly have a big centre in the middle of Suffolk - although that would be fantastic - making it community-based, I thought, would be a good way of doing it."

Ms Elmy said the NHS-commissioned service differed from others.

"It's very much based on that Barnahus model - every single person that comes into our service will be assessed and they'll have an individual support plan," she explained.

"Sometimes people do just need to feel that someone who understands has heard them."

She said users would be referred to therapists if necessary.

Iris is completely confidential and from Monday it will have an online referral service available.

Need help? If you have been affected by this story the BBC Action Line web page features a list of organisations which are ready to provide support and advice.

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