Victims of sex crime will be able to access medical care and support in a less traumatic environment thanks to the launch of a pioneering new sexual assault referral centre. The new SARC, based in Carmarthenshire, will be the first of its kind in Wales that will be able to cater for children as well as men and women. It is also unique, as it has involved partnership working between police, health and social care organisations and the voluntary sector from conception. Funded to the tune of £100,000 from the Home Office and the Welsh Assembly, the centre will provide a one stop support system for victims of rape and sexual assault. It will be co-ordinated by the charity New Pathways, a project originally set up in Merthyr Tydfil. New Pathways manager and Welsh Community Woman of the Year, Libby Jones, said: "The facility will ensure that victims of sexual and domestic violence will have access to appropriate medical and therapeutic care. It will offer an opportunity for 'self referrals', opening the door to enable people to have a medical examination whilst having the time and space to consider the options available to them." As well as self-referrals, victims will also be able to access the SARC via their GP, A&E, domestic violence groups or child abuse specialist. There is no requirement to report assaults to the police, but officers will be made available at the centre if and when victims wish to report the offence. Last year, Dyfed Powys Police dealt with 121 reports of rape and approximately 200 sexual assaults. DCI Pam Kelly from Dyfed Powys Police explained the number of incidents actually occurring was believed to be much higher. She said: "Sex crimes are hidden crimes, and what we hear about is just the tip of the iceberg. We hope that the establishment of the SARC will help bring this issue out into the open and will encourage victims to seek support. The SARC is a victim-focused initiative and she stressed that victims would not be forced to speak to police officers, or to report offences. "Whilst there will be a trained officer available to respond to any reports of rape and sexual assault, the SARC will focus equally on psychological, physical and legal issues," she said. "This will allow victims to deal with the possible side effects of an assault such as sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy. We will also be able to conduct full medical examinations if the assault is recent and this forensic evidence will be vital should the victim choose to report the crime. It is hoped that in time victims will feel more comfortable about reporting incidents and subsequently more offenders will be brought to justice. The very existence of the SARC is a deterrent to offenders whilst at the same time being a strong voice for victims" Consultants, paediatricians, and specialist nurses will be on-hand to attend the centre to provide medical support and examinations within a less clinical environment. Carmarthenshire NHS Trust's director of nursing, Denise Llewellyn, said: "We are delighted to be part of this pioneering project, funded by central government and led by the voluntary sector. "New Pathways manager Libby Jones is a fantastic advocate and has been championing this type of facility for many years. It provides a lifeline to victims, enabling them to access treatment in a less clinical and more conducive environment, as well as all the other support which goes hand-in-hand with crimes of this kind such as information and counselling services." Ongoing support will also be offered by health and social care authorities, as well as services for a victim's family. Chief executive of Carmarthenshire County Council and chairman of the Community Safety Partnership, Mark James, said: "This development shows a clear commitment in Carmarthenshire for public bodies and the voluntary sector to work together in order to provide the best service possible to these vulnerable people." Initially the project will be open Monday - Friday 9 am - 5 pm at West Wales General Hospital, in Carmarthen. An out-of-hours helpline will also be available. Telephone 01267 235464 - the number is manned 24/7, so that anyone who needs help can use it.