Extra funding pledged for West Mercia Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre.

The West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner has agreed to increase funding and work with other partner agencies to ensure vital services for victims of sexual abuse can continue.

Earlier this week, West Mercia Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (WMRSASC) told us they had to close their waiting list for counselling, because funding had effectively run out.

It currently has 435 men, women and children waiting to receive professional therapy and counselling.

An adult already on the list is waiting on average 18 months to 2 years to receive support.

John Campion has now offered an additional, immediate £100,000 for the service and has undertaken a commitment to work with other organisations including Worcestershire County Council and Herefordshire Council, to ensure that additional and ongoing funding from these agencies is forthcoming.

So far, Herefordshire Council have agreed to contribute £120,000 and Worcestershire Council have agreed to contribute £100,000 towards solving the immediate crisis.

Jocelyn Anderson, CEO of WMRSASC said

'It is very heartening to hear that both the PCC and Councils have pledged much needed support for survivors.

'Our service needs long-term, sustainable funding and for our counselling service to be properly commissioned by local partners.

'Whilst this is a huge step in the right direction and it needs to be underpinned by an ongoing commitment for survivors, knowing that the PCC will support us in this is very positive.'

John Campion said:

'Victims are at the forefront of everything I do, so it was completely unacceptable to hear that these vital services are at risk.

'It was imperative all partners involved work together and step up to help those most in need in our communities.'

Councillor Karen May, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Health and Wellbeing at Worcestershire County Council said:

'We don’t want anyone to feel they have to suffer in silence, and we are committed to working with partners to understand the need in this area in Worcestershire and plan a sustainable long term way forward.

'We’ve made some great progress working with partners over the last few years to provide preventative as well as community services in a number of key areas and we’re really keen for this to continue where we can.'

In statement Herefordshire County Council said;

'Herefordshire Council recognises the importance of the specialist free service provided by WMRSASC to victims and survivors of rape and sexual abuse.

'Our contribution, along with those of our partners, will ensure that this service can resume and Herefordshire residents can continue to access appropriate quality support when they need it.'

Unlike domestic abuse services, which local authorities have to provide funding for by law, rape and sexual violence services must source their own funding from other organisations.

That's despite the fact that around 1 in 20 children are sexually abused before they are 16-years-old, with 1 in 5 women sexually abused at some point in their lives - and 1 in 8 men.

If you've been raped or sexually abused and need support visit: https://rapecrisis.org.uk/

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