Sexual violence and abuse
Services for victims of sexual
violence and abuse
The Government Equalities Office has joined with the Office for
Criminal Justice Reform create a single fund for voluntary and
community sector organisations providing support to victims of
sexual violence and abuse. This combined fund, which amounts to a
total of £2.25 million for 2010/11, will be aimed at front-line
services at risk of reduction or closure. To apply for grant
funding from the combined fund, please read the eligibility
criteria and guidance and complete the application form below.
Forms should be returned by 22nd February 2010 to
victims.fund@justice.gsi.gov.uk
Independent Sexual Violence Advisors
Linked to this process, the Home Office has also launched
funding of £860,000 for Independent Sexual Violence Advisors
(ISVAs) in the coming financial year 2010/11. To apply for ISVA
funding, please read the guidance and eligibility criteria in full
and complete the application form below. Forms should be returned
by 22nd February 2010 to victims.fund@justice.gsi.gov.uk.
HELP & SUPPORT
Victim Support: 0845 30 30 900
Rape is one of the most devastating offences for victims. It
violates the basic right of women, men and children to be treated
with dignity and respect. The Government’s main focus is to ensure
that victims get the support and services they need in the
aftermath of rape or sexual assault.
In March 2008, Harriet Harman, the Minister for
Women and Equality announced the establishment of a cross-government special fund to support Rape
Crisis Centres, and the Home Secretary announced funding for
ten new Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs). The Government has
already committed £1.4 million for support for victims of sexual
crimes for this year.
The Government has made a range of changes to the
legal system and to how the police and Crown Prosecution Service
(CPS) work, to put victims’ needs first and to make it easier for
cases to get to trial and secure convictions. Specially trained
officers and specialist rape prosecutors have been introduced in
every CPS area, as well as improved training and guidance for the
police, the CPS and barristers. Also, police forces are being
supported to develop action plans to implement the recommendations
of
Without Consent, a report on the investigation and prosecution
of rape which was published in January 2007.