01/05/2014
‘Operation Seabrook’ is the major criminal investigation into
allegations of serious sexual and physical abuse perpetrated by staff
against detainees at Medomsley Detention Centre near Consett, County
Durham.The abuse is alleged to have happened over a period of many years, principally the 1970's and 1980's.
The investigative team has now heard from more than 550 former inmates at Medomsley who have reported they were abused while detained at the centre.
A BBC 'Inside Out' programme on the case was broadcast at the end of January 2014 and remains available to view via the BBC website.
Durham Constabulary would like anyone who has suffered abuse or has information which may assist the enquiry to contact them on 101 or 0345 60 60 365.
The caller’s details will be referred to the ‘Operation Seabrook’ team. Further contact and investigation will then be carried out by specialist detectives who are highly trained and experienced in dealing with sensitive abuse cases.
The Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) is Det Supt Paul Goundry, with Det Chief Insp Brad Howe as the deputy SIO. Marian Garland, a former detective has been appointed victim co-ordinator and can be contacted directly via marian.garland@durham.pnn.police.uk
Durham Constabulary is working with a number of organisations to provide the best possible support for victims. Access to support is available without the need to contact the police for those who feel unable to do so.
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The following organisations can be contacted independently of the police for support .
NSPCC FREEPHONE HELPLINE (24 hrs):
National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children 0808 800 5000
The helpline is available for anyone who has concerns about a child or anyone including adults who wish to discuss their own experience of abuse as a child or young person.
Contact can also be made via e mail : help@nspcc.org.uk or by text 88858
Contact can be made anonymously if the caller so wishes.
NAPAC
National Association for People Abused in ChildhoodFreephone (from landline or a Virgin, Orange or 3 mobile) 0800 085 3330.
If you are calling from a mobile provided by O2, Vodafone or T-Mobile an alternative freephone number is 0808 801 0331. This is not a 24 hr service
The Meadows:
The Meadows Sexual Assault Referral Centre (Darlington and Co Durham) 0191 301 8554
The Meadows will accept calls between the hours of 9am-3.30 pm Monday to Friday and can arrange one-to-one counselling sessions and can make referrals to similar centres throughout the UK.
Counselling does not involve discussing what has happened in relation to the assault, it aims to help you work through your feelings to aid the healing process.
Staff at the Meadows will not contact the police without your consent unless there are current concerns in respect of a child or vulnerable adult.
