CHILD victims of rape or sexual assault in Gwent will be able to visit a dedicated centre after it opens today.

Medical care and counselling will exist alongside police investigation teams in the Ynys Saff (Safe Island) Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), at Cardiff Royal Infirmary.

Adult victims of sexual assault in Gwent already have this kind of specialised one-stop shop facility at the Gwent SARC, Laburnum House, in Risca.

This new centre in Cardiff, due to be opened by First Minister Rhodri Morgan and Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker today, will serve adult and child victims from Cardiff, as well as providing the same service for Gwent children who have experienced rape, serious sexual assault or sexual abuse.

SARCs are a joint venture between police forces, health providers, the voluntary sector and the criminal justice system.

They offer a one-stop shop of expert care to provide all the help a victim of sexual assault might need.

And as well as improving criminal investigation by bringing together all the elements of a sex attack case, they also ensure forensic evidence is taken and preserved even if the victim does not want to formally report the attack to police.

The emphasis is on a holistic approach, with more support for victims before, during and after court cases, aftercare and advice on subjects like sexual health.

Start-up funding of £70,000 was provided for Ynys Saff by the Home Office in 2006.

Other funding has come from Gwent Police, the Assembly, South Wales Police and Cardiff Community Safety Partnership.