Wash bags donated to help sexual assault survivors

Survivors of sexual assaults in Jersey will be given a wash bag, filled with essentials, when they first visit Dewberry House, Jersey’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC).

In Kind Direct are a charity working in partnership with Her Majesty the Queen to provide survivors of rape and sexual abuse with a wash bag at SARCs across the UK. The charity approached the team at Dewberry House, who readily accepted the donations.

The SARC will have their supply replenished by the charity at regular intervals throughout the year. Each wash bag contains personal care items donated by Boots, including shampoo, shower gel, toothpaste, a comb, lip salve and a toothbrush.

They represent a small gesture of comfort during a highly distressing time for clients.

SARC Manager, Katie Donnelly explained how, for sexual assault survivors, this gift is something special: “You’re in the most difficult position that you’ve been in. All your control has been taken away. So, to give them a wash bag to enable them to go home have a shower with everything they need to help them feel clean and fresh is the start of the journey to recovery.

"Now, they can do that with something they’ve been given by the Queen. Knowing that she is such an advocate for survivors of sexual assault, that’s just lovely. It’s personal.

“We’re just grateful to be a part of it and to have them come to us and offer it as well.”

After a survivor of a sexual assault has attended Dewberry House, and in the instances where a client has undergone a forensic medical examination, they are offered the chance to have a shower and are given fresh clothing, as clothing can be seized as evidence.

Katie added: “The forensic examination can take up to eight hours. It can be exhausting, so having a wash bag with all the essentials provided is one less worry after such a traumatic experience. “Having shower cleanses you. One of the first things a victim tends to do after a sexual assault or examination is have a shower or bath. “This is a really nice gift to give someone when they’re in their time of need.”

The Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) at Dewberry House, provides expert independent and confidential support to victims of sexual abuse. The Centre comprises a team of experts with a wealth of knowledge and experience in advising, supporting and treating anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted. Anyone who would like to speak to someone in confidence about sexual abuse or violence can contact police on 01534 612612, or staff at Dewberry House on 01534 888222.

You can find out more about In Kind Direct, and their wider work here.