Cash will be used to support rape victims

Welfare bosses have announced a £1.5 million boost for Rape Crisis centres.

The cash will help improve support available for survivors of sexual violence in Renfrewshire and across the rest of the country.

Sandie Barton, director of operations at Rape Crisis Scotland welcomed the funding boost but she said many women are still languishing on waiting lists.

She said:“We really welcome this vital financial support and commitment from the Scottish Government to start to address the significant waiting lists which survivors of sexual violence face in some parts of the country.

“We will continue to work closely together to ensure survivors get access to the support they need and deserve.”

Secretary for Social Security ShirleyAnne Somerville added:“We want to encourage everyone to feel able to come forward if they have been a victim of rape or sexual assault, and to be able to access the right support when they need it.

“That is why we are committed to supporting rape crisis centres and why we are providing additional funding of £1.5 million over the next three years.

“That funding will start next month, allowing them to ensure that more people can receive support and as well as helping these services plan for the future.

”I am delighted to visit Rape Crisis Scotland to thank them for all that they and local rape crisis centres across Scotland do.”