Whitechapel centre wins national award

26 October 2009

A centre in Whitechapel, for men, women and children who have been raped or sexually assaulted, is one of a network of three to win a national award for its work.

The 2009 Justice Awards recognises teams and individuals across the Criminal Justice System who have gone out of their way to deliver justice.

London’s three Haven centres in Whitechapel, Camberwell and Paddington, were awarded the Partnership of the Year team award for the help they give anyone who has been the victim of a sex attack.

The Whitechapel centre - hosted by Barts and The London NHS Trust – is just a minute’s walk from The Royal London Hospital. 

Managed by Elizabeth Harrison, it provides round-the-clock forensic examinations and follow-up medical care and support to people who have been raped or sexually assaulted. 

She said:  “We are delighted and very pleased to have won.  It’s a real honour and achievement for all the Havens.”

People, who have not yet made a decision to go to the police, can have a forensic examination and have samples stored as potential evidence whilst they think about their next step.

If they decide years later to report the incident to police, samples can be retrieved from storage and given to the police to support their case.

Elizabeth said:  “Thanks to the support of our staff, many feel able to go on to make a formal complaint to the police.”

The Haven in Whitechapel has received praise, too, for its work with Bangladeshi women who have been raped and sexually assaulted – often by someone they know.

Harpreet Sihota, 31, the Whitechapel Haven’s Asian Development Worker, beat stiff competition to get into the final five of the People’s Award, also part of the Justice Awards.

Harpreet’s role is unique within the field of sexual violence, working primarily with south Asian women who have been raped or sexually attacked.

As well as providing care to those who attend the Haven, in Whitechapel, east London, she also offers training and outreach help to community organisations working with south Asian women.

Contact: Angela Boon 020 7480 4843 or Dan Wheelahan 020 7480 4892

- ENDS -

Notes for editors

• Note to Editors:  http://www.thehavens.co.uk/faq.htm
• Pictures available of both Elizabeth Harrison and Harpreet Sihota
• According to the British Crime Survey (2000) about one in 20 women in Britain say they have been raped.
• About 3% of men have been sexually victimised at some time in their lives. Only a minority of sexual assaults in London - perhaps 10 to 20% - are reported to the police

< Back