HER Majesty The Queen has officially opened a new sexual assault referral centre in Exeter.

Queen Camilla unveiled a plaque at the facility on Thursday, February 6.

Sexual assault referral centres support people who have been raped, sexually assaulted or abused at any time in their life.

Queen Camilla has worked in support of sexual violence victims for several years. She initiated the Wash Bag project in 2017, which provides essential toiletries to people using sexual assault referral centres.

Chair of the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Dame Shan Morgan said: “We are extremely proud at the Royal Devon to provide this vital service to people across the South West peninsula.

“It was with great pleasure that we welcomed the Queen to open our new centre to highlight the important work our teams do working with our partners.”

Sexual assault referral centres are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They are open to anyone who may need their services.

The creation of the new Exeter centre was funded by NHS England with support from the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.

It offers expanded, state-of-the-art facilities and is one of the first such facilities in England to meet new forensic examination standards.

It also offers advanced medical services, as well as specially designed therapy suites, and is a paediatric centre of excellence.

There are also sexual assault referral centres in Plymouth and Truro. The centres can also help with sexual health information, emergency contraception and referrals to other support services if required.

Access is by appointment only. The service offers a 24-hour information telephone line: 0300 303 4626.

For more information on Devon and Cornwall sexual assault referral centres, you can visit: sarchelp.co.uk.