Funding boost for rape victim support
Victims of rape and sexual assault across the West Midlands will be helped by a 50 per cent funding boost for specialist services.
Black Country Women’s Aid, Coventry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre, Freedom from Torture and the Birmingham Rape and Sexual Violence Project have secured more than £1.2 million for the next two years.
It means more rape victims will get access to vital advice, support and counselling.
More than 7,000 sexual offences were recorded by police across the West Midlands last year, and today’s announcement from the Government is part of a 50 per cent increase that will cover services across England and Wales – totalling £32m over the three years up to 2022.
The Government is also investing £1m to recruit more independent sexual violence advisors across the country, who provide advice and support for victims, acting as the link between police, support services and criminal justice agencies.
Aldridge-Brownhills MP Wendy Morton, who is Victims Minister, said the West Midlands organisations help the victims “rebuild their lives”.
She said: “Behind the statistics there are real victims. Women and men trying to move forward with their lives in the face of unimaginable trauma.
"Rape support services work to ensure that victims get the care they need but, like any organisation, they require resources to continue their vital work.
“In September last year, the Government committed to increase support for victims of rape and sexual abuse.
"As a local MP and a justice minister, I am delighted that we are delivering on that pledge by increasing funding for rape support services across the country.”
She said a total of 76 support groups across England and Wales will see an increase in funding.
