Boost for support service for survivors of rape and sexual abuse

A support service for survivors of rape and sexual abuse which has been forced to pause its counselling waiting list due to funding cuts has been handed a £320,000 boost.

The West Mercia Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (WMRSASC) said it would not be taking on anymore people for counselling due to a lack of money and was in desperate need of at least £800,000 to meet current demand and clear the waiting list.

West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion, Worcestershire County Council and Herefordshire Council have agreed to hand over a combined £320,000 to the support centre to ensure that vital service continue for the moment.

WMRSASC chief executive Jocelyn Anderson said the funding boost was a “step in the right direction” but the service needed proper long-term funding so the region’s survivors could be supported.

“It is very heartening to hear that both the police and crime commissioner and councils have pledged much-needed support for survivors,” she said.

“Our service needs long-term, sustainable funding and for our counselling service to be properly commissioned by local partners.

“Whilst this is a huge step in the right direction and it needs to be underpinned by an ongoing commitment for survivors, knowing that the police and crime commissioner will support us in this is very positive.”

West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion also committed to working with other organisations to ensure that more funding is given to the service now and in the future.

“Victims are at the forefront of everything I do, so it was completely unacceptable to hear that these vital services are at risk,” he said.

“It was imperative all partners involved work together and step up to help those most in need in our communities.

“I have quickly made progress through the positive relationships we have with our partners, but there is still more we can do, and I will continue to work collectively to ensure victims of such a serious crime get the right specialist help at the right time, and that this much needed service is supported.”

A spokesperson for Herefordshire Council said: "Herefordshire Council recognises the importance of the specialist free service provided by WMRSASC to victims and survivors of rape and sexual abuse.  Our contribution, along with those of our partners, will ensure that this service can resume and Herefordshire residents can continue to access appropriate quality support when they need it."