Operation Seabrook - Medomsley Detention Centre
16/01/2017
‘Operation Seabrook’ is the criminal investigation into allegations of sexual and physical abuse perpetrated by staff against detainees at Medomsley Detention Centre near Consett, County Durham.
It was launched in August 2013 and is investigating incidents which happened over many years, principally the 1970's and 1980's.
The three main aims of the investigation are:
* to ensure support is provided for victims so they are in a better place after contacting the police
* to gain the fullest understanding of how Medomsley operated during those years
* to secure evidence so that any potential offenders are brought to justice.
Anyone needing to make contact with the team in writing can email operation.seabrook@durham.pnn.police.uk
The 'Seabrook' team has now heard from more than 1,350 former inmates at Medomsley who have reported they were abused while detained at the centre.
All of the surviving main suspects - 31 in total - have been identified, interviewed and prosecution files submitted to the CPS for advice. This advice will then identify those individuals who are likely to be charged and also which victims or witnesses are likely to give evidence.
Update on the current state of the investigation; January 2017
Detective Chief Inspector Steve Chapman is now in place as the senior investigating officer (SIO) following the retirement last year of Det Supt Paul Goundry.
He said; "I am pleased to report that the investigation remains focused with regular consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). This contact and the commitment of all the officers and staff involved ensures the investigation continues to keep victims/survivors at the centre of this complex enquiry, with every effort being made to bring the perpetrators of abuse to justice.
"We are now in a position where charging advice will be requested in the near future and this will be a significant milestone for the investigation. Resourcing for the enquiry has not diminished and is constantly reviewed."
Detective Sergeant Claire Errington remains as the supervisor for the dedicated Seabrook team. Within this team we have victim co-ordinators who are at hand to help and assist with any issues or concerns people may have.
Important - If you are a victim and your contact details have changed, for example, you have moved house or have a new phone number then please email the Seabrook team or call them via 101 so they can update their records.
Durham Constabulary continues to work with various 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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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 all landlines and mobile networks 0808 801 0331.
Calls do not show on your bill; lines are open 10am to 9pm Monday - Thursday, and 10am to 6pm on Friday. NAPAC is unable to take messages or ring back.
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.
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