EXCLUSIVE: Sexual violence support services at 'crisis point', according to local charity
People waiting months before they are able to get help.
Last updated 9th Feb 2018
Victims of sexual violence in parts of Tayside are waiting more than seven months to get help.
There has been a surge in the number of people coming forward for support, which is putting local services under immense pressure.
Local charities such as the Women's Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre, Dundee and Angus are beginning to feel the strain, and there are fears that unless funding is sought, services will struggle to run next year.
WRASAC manager, Sinead Daly says they are at crisis point:
Despite the strain, the charity has never turned away someone seeking help, although due to the surge in numbers, it is something that is being talked about.
A Scottish Government spokesman said: “It is vital that those who have experienced rape or sexual assault get access to the right support. Rape crisis centres are key to that, and help to protect the most vulnerable women and children in our society.
“The Scottish Government has taken action to strengthen advocacy and support available to victims of sexual crime. This includes an additional £1.85 million to Rape Crisis Scotland, which has enabled an additional advocacy support worker in each rape crisis centre in Scotland, and the establishment of rape crisis centres in Orkney and Shetland.
“The Programme for Government also outlines plans to further expand pre-recording of evidence for vulnerable witnesses, and will introduce legislation before summer 2018. While the initial focus will be on child witnesses in the most serious cases, reforms will ultimately improve the system for all vulnerable witnesses".