Talks are taking place to ensure easier access to a key service for victims of sexual assault in Argyll and Bute, a Scottish Government spokesperson has said.
The comment was given after Cllr Shonny Paterson expressed strong criticism that victims had to travel to Glasgow to access the Sexual Assault Response Co-ordination Service (SARCS).
Cllr Paterson said his colleagues were determined to lobby for a solution to the ‘appalling’ situation.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said it was recognised that some people in island and rural communities would be required to travel and they were liaising with several organisations regarding access.
Cllr Paterson said: “This week I attended a meeting with Argyll and Bute Rape Crisis which was both illuminating and harrowing.
“I was shocked to learn that anyone reporting a sexual assault or rape in Argyll and Bute has no access to the SARCS and have to make their own way, at their own cost, to Glasgow to access the service.
“Through SARCS, people are able to undergo a Forensic Medical Examination (FME) to gather evidence related to the incident and receive pertinent information and guidance.
“The evidence gathered can then be used to support a report of rape or sexual assault to the police and help lead to the conviction of the perpetrator at court.
“I and my fellow members of the council opposition strategic partnership left the meeting determined to lobby for an Argyll and Bute-based response service and to keep on lobbying until a satisfactory solution is found for this appalling situation.”
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The Scottish Government recognises that people who have experienced rape, sexual assault or child sexual abuse have suffered a grave violation of their human rights.
“Just over £14m has been invested between 2017-18 and 2022-23 to support the development of a Sexual Assault Response Coordination Service (SARCS) in every health board area.
“We recognise that this may still require an element of travel for people in island and rural communities, to ensure they can access a sustainable, trauma informed service, provided by a small and specifically trained workforce, and are liaising with Rape Crisis Scotland, NHS Highland and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde about access to SARCS for people in Argyll and Bute.”
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