‘Rape crisis funding boost not enough’ – campaigners
RAPE and sexual abuse support services across England and Wales have been given increased funding amid “unprecedented demand” from women for help.
The government funding package – totalling £24m over three years, and which includes a 10% cash increase – will see 79 rape support centres awarded grants.
Sarah Champion, chairwoman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Sexual Violence and Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse, said the three-year commitment offered stability for the cherished services.
But she added that the money did not go far enough.
It comes after a report by the APPG at the end of last year which said specific support services for victims could cease to exist completely due to a lack of funding and a surge in the number of people needing help.
The Labour MP for Rotherham said: “Any increase in funding for victims and survivors of sexual violence is most welcome.
“In spite of their best efforts, specialist sexual violence and abuse services are unable to meet the incredible surge in demand of recent years.
“Recorded rapes are up 15% and Rape Crisis has seen a 17% increase in women wanting a service. Whilst a 10% increase in the fund is encouraging, it just isn’t enough.
“I really welcome the introduction of three-year funding as it provides stability for the sector, who can now focus on delivering a quality service to survivors.”
Figures released in December last year showed that in 2017/18 Rape Crisis services were used by 78,461 people, an increase of 17% on the previous year.
At the end of 2017/18 there were 6,355 victims on Rape Crisis waiting-lists, with the wait for counselling ranging from three to 14 months.
Many centres are said to have long waiting-lists, offering little or no chance of women immediately receiving the counselling they urgently need.
Announcing the funding package yesterday, Victims Minister Edward Argar said: “We are determined to improve access to these vital services for victims to help them rebuild their lives after these devastating crimes.”