Queen Camilla visited Exeter on Thursday to open a new purpose-built Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) during Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week 2025.
Camilla toured the newly established facility, which is one of the first centres in the country specifically designed to meet new UK Accreditation Service standards for SARC forensic services.
The centre, which opened in October 2024, provides both adult and children’s services, including therapy, and serves as a centre of excellence for paediatric care.
During her visit, the Queen met with SARC staff, including Adult and Paediatric teams, Therapy teams, and representatives from the Forensic Science Regulator team, as well as the Devon & Cornwall Police lead officer on Rape and Serious Sexual Offences.
Queen Camilla visited Exeter on Thursday to open a new purpose-built Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) during Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week 2025
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Her Majesty held a private meeting with a former service user during the visit.
The Queen also observed the provision of wash bags for service users in a post-examination room and speak with representatives from Boots and the charity In Kind Direct about their partnership with SARCs.
The wash bags initiative, which was inspired by Camilla herself, has been operating nationwide since 2017.
Before concluding her visit, the Queen unveil a plaque to officially open SARC Exeter.
Queen Camilla unveil a plaque to officially open SARC Exeter, during her visit
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The facility features state-of-the-art Forensic Medical Examination suites, equipped with advanced air flow units similar to those found in hospital surgical theatres.
The examination suites are completely self-contained, with separate changing areas for staff and individuals to ensure the quality and reliability of forensic evidence collection.
The wash bags project, which began as a pilot in three London-based Sexual Assault Referral Centres in 2013, provides essential personal care items to survivors following forensic examinations.
Each wash bag contains items donated by Boots, including shampoo, shower gel, toothpaste, toothbrush, comb, lip salve and face cloth.
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Queen Camilla observed the provision of wash bags for service users in a post-examination room
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The items are assembled and packed by volunteers, including team members from In Kind Direct’s warehousing team and fulfilment partner, TTS.
In 2023/24, 8,466 wash bags were delivered to 60 SARCs across the country.
The initiative forms part of the UK’s Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week, running from 3rd to 9th February 2025, during which NHS England is working to raise awareness of SARCs and encourage victims and survivors to seek help.