'You have a real gem here ... you shouldn't take it for granted because it doesn't exist everywhere'

MINISTER'S PRAISE FOR SERVICE THAT HELPS CHILD SEX ABUSE VICTIMS

- By OLIVER PRIDMORE

A NOTTINGHAM hospital service dealing with hundreds of child sexual abuse cases every year has been described as an "exemplar" for the rest of the country.

The vital service was launched in 2018 and has seen more than 2,500 children come through its doors since then.

Serving all victims of sexual abuse under the age of 18 across the East Midlands, the service predominantly deals with those aged between 11 and 15. Those using the service can have examinations to check their health and gather any forensic evidence necessary for a criminal investigation.

Victims can also have a shower, something to eat and drink, and they can then access any medical treatment necessary before being referred to the most appropriate followup service. White British women are those most commonly seen by the service, but those running it say they are aware this is not reflective of the East Midlands.

The East Midlands Children and Young People’s Sexual Assault Service therefore had an official relaunch on Thursday which has seen it rebranded as Coral Cove.

Those running the service hope the rebrand will make it more accessible to victims, alongside recent improvements like a dedicated video interview suite and increased recruitment into roles like forensic nursing.