Rape victims in Wales to benefit from UK Government funding boost 

Victim of rape and sexual assault across Wales will be helped by a 50 per cent funding boost for specialist support services the UK Government has announced. 

Over £1.3m has been awarded to six rape support centres over two years across Wales. This funding will mean more rape victims than ever will be able to get vital advice, support and counselling. 

More than 8000 sexual offences were recorded by police across Wales last year, and today’s announcement is part of a 50 per cent increase that will cover services across England and Wales – totalling £32m over three years up to 2022. 

The UK Government is also investing £1 million to recruit more Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs) across the country, who provide advice and support for victims, acting as the link between police, support services and criminal justice agencies. 

Secretary of State for Wales Simon Hart said:

Rape and sexual violence are truly devastating crimes which have long term impacts on victims’ lives.

“I am encouraged that organisations in each of Wales’ four police force areas will be able to help more people to receive the support and advice they need to recover as a result of UK Government funding.”

Across England and Wales more than 160,000 sexual offences were recorded by police last year.

The £32m provided by the UK Government directly funds 76 rape support services and a further 18 via Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) over three years, and ensures there is vital help for victims in all 42 of England and Wales’ PCC areas. 

 This is the second time the UK Government has increased funding in the last year to the Rape Support Fund, bringing it to £12 million per year from April. The increase will allow our local services to plan for the future – offering them stability and security so that they can focus on delivering services that victims so desperately need.   

The move builds on new laws brought in by this UK Government that will ensure serious violent and sexual offenders spend longer behind bars – ensuring the public and victims are protected from these heinous crimes.