Rape crisis centres get cash boost Support: Extra £1.5m to help victims

Rape crisis centres in the north and north-east will be given an extra £95,000 to boost the “invaluable” work they do to help people coming to terms with sexual assault.

The cash has been announced as part of a government scheme aimed at distributing £1.5 million to crisis centres in Scotland.

The centres offer confidential emotional and practical support to people who have been the victims of sexual violence at any time during their lives.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced that the crisis centres would be given additional funding over three years.

In the north and northeast, the Grampian and Highland operations will be given £37,000 each, with Moray getting £10,000 and Shetland £11,000.

Equalities Minister Christina McKelvie said the funding would ensure more people are helped.

She said: “We are committed to preventing and eradicating violence against women and girls.

“A huge part of delivering on that commitment is ensuring that victims of rape or sexual assault are able to come forward and access the right support when they need it.

“The work that rape crisis centres do is invaluable and that is why I am delighted to confirm the distribution to 14 centres – from Shetland to the Scottish Borders – of £1.5 million over the next three years.

“That funding will bolster the resource available to each centre to ensure more people can receive support more quickly, as well as helping these services plan for the future.”

There are 14 such centres in Scotland.