Tabatha Brice has more reason than most to look forward to the opening of Avon and Somerset's first sexual assault referral centre.

The mother-of-two, who has waived her right to anonymity, was herself raped by someone she knew and is now a special constable with Avon and Somerset police.

She said: "I have seen the sexual health referral centre they have in Swindon which is amazing. I don't know why it's taken so long for people to realise the importance of something like that for Bristol.

"The reason many women don't report sexual assaults is the thought that they will have to go to a police station.

"It's not always about wanting to take someone to court. Often it's the last thing on the victim's mind, they just want the emotional support they need to get on with their lives."

Avon and Somerset's sexual health referral centre, which opens on February 20, is based in the central sexual health clinic in Tower Hill, near Castle Park.

Called The Bridge, it will be a one-stop-shop for all victims of rape and sexual assault, whether they be women, men or children.

It has interview rooms, medical examination rooms with ensuite showers and a lounge and kitchen where victims and friends or family members who have accompanied them can wait.

But more importantly The Bridge has all the experts under one roof, including counsellors, to reduce the number of times the victim has to relive what happened to them.

Ms Brice, 42, said: "I'm so pleased the centre is opening. It would have made such a difference to me if it had been there when I reported what had happened to me.

"It took me years. Eventually I became suicidal and ended up in a police station and asked to be put into a cell to stop me killing myself.

"The police were very good. They got a woman officer for me to talk to but over the months leading to the court case I had to repeat what had happened over and over again."

Despite good medical evidence the alleged rapist walked free after a key police witness was allowed to sit in court while Ms Brice was giving her evidence.

She said: "I have rebuilt my life after ten years of counselling. I don't call myself victim. If you think of yourself as one you remain one - and I'm not.

Ms Brice said she hoped the new centre would help people move on in their lives more quickly.

"It's brilliant that the SARC centre is nowhere near a police station and that people can remain anonymous if they wish."

Even if the victim doesn't want to go to court, forensic evidence can be obtained or information given so that it is available if they change their mind later. Information and DNA evidence is also important for police in building up a profiles of offenders.

Detective Chief Superintendent Geoff Anderson, head of CID at Avon and Somerset police, chaired the joint steering group which pushed for a sexual health referral centre.

He said: "Sexual abuse and violence in any shape or form is deplorable. Rape is second only to murder in my book. It is one of the most life changing experiences anyone can go through.

"The centre is totally victim focused. If a victim doesn't want to pursue a complaint through the criminal justice system this request is respected.

"There are highly trained staff here who will help them every step of the way.

"The first decision they have to make is the brave decision - and it is a brave decision - to come forward and talk to someone."