Funding boost for Rape Crisis Centres

An additional £1.5 million funding for Rape Crisis Centres will help improve the support available for victims of sexual violence.

Speaking on a visit to Rape Crisis Scotland, Cabinet Secretary for Social Security and Older People Shirley-Anne Somerville said:

“The Scottish Government has taken many actions to take forward our commitment to preventing and eradicating violence against women and girls. This includes investment in prevention work, frontline services and improvements in the justice system, as well as the introduction of landmark legislation on domestic abuse, abusive behaviour and sexual harm.

“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 have this opportunity to visit Rape Crisis Scotland to thank them for all that they and local rape crisis centres across Scotland do to support people.”

Sandie Barton, Director of Operations at Rape Crisis Scotland 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."

Background

In the Programme for Government, the First Minister announced that Rape Crisis Centres will be given an additional £1.5 million over three years.

The Scottish Government provides core support to Scotland’s 16 Rape Crisis Centres through the Rape Crisis Fund (£50,000 per centre, per year).  The Scottish Government has invested £20 million over 2015-2018 through the Violence Against Women and Girls Justice Fund, this included funding for Rape Crisis Scotland to support a national advocacy project, delivered throughout Scotland with advocacy workers based in each rape crisis centre.

£1.7 million funding was announced earlier this year to continue the project and enable additional advocacy workers in areas with most need.

The Scottish Government also provides funding to the Rape Crisis Scotland helpline, which offers free and confidential support and information on 08088 010302 or by email on support@rapecrisisscotland.org.uk