Specialist unit to support sex attack victims

The centre will open in January and is described as a “one-stop shop”, offering medical help and counselling alongside the opportunity to involve police officers if the victim chooses.

North Yorkshire Police said that in 2011 only one third of all allegations of rape resulted in court appearances.

Det Insp Karen Warner, of North Yorkshire Police, works with a unit that deals with the victims of rape and sexual assault.

She said the idea of the “home setting” was that it would not intimidate or disconcert the victim.

“It a place that is very safe, very neutral, and it’s normal in that sense,” she said. “The victims are seen by professional people, who can obtain the very best evidence from them in a way that is sensitive and kind while they are going through a very traumatic experience.”

A spokesman said the house was “too all intents and purposes” a domestic home but with additional facilities such as discreet cameras to enable the recording of conversations between the victim and those taking details of the attacks.