The Guernsey Sexual Assault Helpline receives 90 calls in its first year

A hotline offering support and advice on cases of sexual assault or abuse in Guernsey received 90 calls in its first year.

The sexual assault referral center, which opened in October 2023, operates 24 hours a day and has trained crisis responders.

The service said people reported cases of new and historical sexual violence, sought advice and referrals and sought forensic medical examination.

It said 10 of the calls were to arrange toxicology sampling for possible alcohol or drug spikes.

The team consists of a manager trained as a sexual offenses investigator, eight crisis workers, eight sexual offenses investigators and a clinical manager, the service said.

If necessary, it is supported by additional health staff.