An agreement formalising the care, protection and support for victims of sexual assault will be signed by Waikato Police, partner agencies and several organisations this Friday.

Detective inspector Chris Page explains that the Local Level Agreement (LLA) will look to ensure the effectiveness of this interagency and multidisciplinary service for Waikato victims.

The Local Level Agreement, being signed by Waikato Police and several regional organisations and agencies will formalise the care, protection and support for victims of sexual assault. Photo: Thinkstock

Along with police, signatories include the Waikato District Health Board, Anglesea Clinic, Doctors For Sexual Abuse Care, Victim Support, and Child Abuse Prevention Services Hauraki.

'It has been recognised,” says Chris, 'that people who are victims of sexual abuse need access to services that provide a coordinated response and approach by police, medical practitioners providing assessment and treatment services and those providing crisis and victim support.

'The Waikato is already recognised as a national leader in the field of inter-agency support for sexual assault victims and this LLA provides an avenue to recognise and refresh formalised local arrangements.”

The LLA promotes the delivery of nationally consistent and sustainable medical sexual abuse assessment plus treatment services, identified in the national service schedule developed by police, ACC and the Ministry of Health.

Chris says it is acknowledged that the medical component of sexual abuse services is an important part of a tripartite approach which cannot work in isolation to other important services.

'All the signatories of the agreement are committed in ensuring that victims of sexual assault are afforded the best level of care, service and support they need and that the LLA will ensure this.

'It's about continuously improving what are already highly regarded partnerships into even better ones.”

The signing of the Local Level Agreement willtake place at the Hamilton Central Police Station on Friday, October 30.