RSACC receives Rape Crisis National Service Standards accreditation

RSACC receives Rape Crisis National Service Standards accreditation

We are so proud to announce that this week we have received the Rape Crisis National Service Standards accreditation for our delivery of specialist services to survivors of sexual violence and abuse in Darlington and County Durham.

This accreditation recognises RSACC for meeting the professional standards set by the national governing body for Rape Crisis centres, Rape Crisis England & Wales, in the delivery of safe, specialist, trauma-informed support for survivors.

Jo Costello, Rape Crisis England and Wales’ Head of Membership Services, said: “We’re delighted that Darlington and County Durham’s Rape and Sexual Abuse Counselling Centre (RSACC) has successfully achieved accreditation against Rape Crisis National Service Standards. 

“This rigorous process, with independent assessment built into it, evidences what we know about our local members – they are delivering exceptional services, which survivors can access with confidence, knowing that they are designed to meet their needs.”

The process of receiving the accreditation involved the completion of a self assessment which demonstrated how RSACC met all of RCEW’s criteria, as well as a site visit and report, which was sent to an independent panel for review. 

RSACC CEO Isabel Owens explained: “This accreditation evidences that we are an independent, community based, specialist service for survivors of sexual violence, giving both survivors and commissioners confidence in the quality of our support.” 

We are particularly pleased to have been recognised in the accreditation for our high standards in the following areas:

  • Specialist Service Provision
  • Strong Leadership
  • Responsive to Survivors
  • Safe Practice
  • Lasting Impact

Isabel added: “Receiving the accreditation is a significant and important moment for RSACC and the result of years of hard work and dedication from our staff and volunteers. I am so pleased to see our services recognised by RCEW and to be in a position to use this accreditation to support many more survivors with robust, high quality services in the years to come. My huge thanks go to everyone involved.”