NORTH Yorkshire’s police and crime commissioner will today open a new support centre for rape and sexual assault victims.

Known as Bridge House, the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) in York will provide services and support under one roof and allow victims to talk through the options available to them.

Julia Mulligan, the commissioner, said: “Rape and sexual assault are devastating crimes which can have life-changing effects, and the facilities at the SARC will significantly improve the support we can given and improve the chance of bringing justice for these victims.”