The Dyfed Powys Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) has helped over 100 victims.

The new facility was set up in June 2007 in Carmarthen to help victims of rape and sexual assault.

Dyfed Powys Police, Carmarthenshire County Council, the local health trust and the specialist charity, New Pathways, joined forces to provide a much-needed private and confidential centre that provides treatment and aftercare for victims of rape or sexual assault.

The SARC adopts a partnership approach in tackling the issues surrounding sexual assault and rape. The whole service revolves around the particular healthcare needs, therapeutic support and the investigation of the incident involving the victim.

A feature of the SARC is that it allows victims to 'self refer' in that they can contact the SARC direct and if they so wish - not refer the incident to Police. This is crucial in empowering victims to determine what support they need and what action they wish to take.

DCI Pam Kelly said: "Since it opened, the centre has helped 119 victims, including 28 people who have self referred themselves to it.

"This facility is about the total care of the victim from healthcare, therapy and investigation. History has shown us that during complicated sexual assault investigations, the needs of the most important person, the victim, can sometimes be overlooked.

"This approach is about identifying the best professional to deal with the issues and to enable health professionals to provide holistic care for the victim and the police service to investigate the incident.

"We are delighted to have such a facility within the Carmarthen area and I sincerely hope that it gives confidence to any person who suffers such an assault to come forward, confident in the knowledge that they will be handled with the dignity and professionalism that they deserve".

New Pathways is one of the leading organisations in England and Wales in providing help and support to victims of rape and sexual abuse of all ages.

In addition to the SARC at Carmarthen, it manages SARCs at Merthyr Tydfil, Risca and Swansea.

Its chief executive, Libby Jones, said: "We are proud to have the opportunity to provide a valuable and much wanted service to those in Dyfed Powys who need to take advantage of the services provided at Carmarthen SARC."