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More than 150,000 sexual offences were recorded last year, with one in five women having experienced sexual assault in their lifetime. Photograph: Getty Images/PhotoAlto
More than 150,000 sexual offences were recorded last year, with one in five women having experienced sexual assault in their lifetime. Photograph: Getty Images/PhotoAlto

Rape and sexual abuse services in England and Wales get £24m boost

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Funding will support services including counselling and helpline for male victims

Rape and sexual abuse support services across England and Wales are to receive £24m in government funding over the next three years, it has been announced.

Seventy-nine rape support centres are to be awarded grants, meaning there will be government-funded services in all 42 of the country’s police and crime commissioner (PCC) areas.

More than 150,000 sexual offences were recorded by police last year, with one in five women having experienced some type of sexual assault in their lifetime.

The funding will go towards a range of services, including counselling and a national helpline and webchat service for male victims following a significant rise in the number of men and boys coming forward to report crimes.

But Sarah Champion, the chair of the all-party parliamentary group on sexual violence and adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse, said the funding was not enough.

“Any increase in funding for victims and survivors of sexual violence is most welcome,” she said. “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.”

The extra money will increase the number of PCC areas with government-funded male support centres from 11 to 41.

Funding has also been extended to include those who were abused while under the age of 13, in recognition that many victims of child sexual abuse may struggle to access timely support.

The victims minister, Edward Argar, said: “Victims of rape and sexual violence show immense courage in coming forward – and they must have confidence that the right support will be there when it is needed.

“Today we are providing funding across more regions than ever, supporting more centres than ever, increasing the overall amount of funding and moving to a three-year funding cycle. We are determined to continue to improve access to these vital services for victims to help them rebuild their lives after these devastating crimes.”

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