In-demand local rape crisis service expands

THE LOCAL branch of Rape Crisis Scotland has recruited a much-needed second member of staff after receiving new funding from the Scottish Government.

The service, which is currently only staffed by Linda Gray, has received £38,000 to employ a part-time advocacy worker for two years.

The Orkney branch, which was set up alongside its Shetland neighbour in 2016 with funding from the Scottish Government, secured the same grant.

The news comes after Scottish justice secretary Michael Matheson visited Shetland on Thursday to announce £76,000 of funding to pilot a training programme in the isles for forensic medical examinations of sexual assault victims.

This should mean that victims will soon no longer have to travel to the Scottish mainland for testing – an issue which the local rape crisis service strongly campaigned against.

Rape Crisis Shetland’s new advocacy worker will start on Monday and they will help to support people who may report incidents to the police and their journey through the court system.

Linda said the local service has been busier than ever, with the new team member hopefully set to ease her workload.

“As a lone member, I’ve been struggling to cope with the demand, as well as develop the service,” she said.

“It’s a godsend to be able now to expand the service as a team.”

Linda added that she was “delighted” by Thursday’s announcement of the new training programme for forensic examinations.

New board members are set to undergo training ahead of plans for the service to become an independent charity.

This should help the branch to expand further and apply for more funding, although it would still work under the same national framework and quality standards.

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Commenting on the new funding for the Northern Isles branches, Matheson said: “Rape Crisis Scotland does incredible work and is literally a lifeline to those who need their services.

“I have had the privilege of meeting with people who have been supported by these new services and they cannot speak highly enough of the support they have received from Shetland and Orkney Rape Crisis.

“That is why I am delighted that we are building on the success of the establishment of these local centres and providing additional funding for each.”

Rape Crisis Scotland director of operations Sandie Barton said the funding would “enable an expanded support and advocacy service to ensure survivors of sexual crime get access to timely support, and enable dedicated support throughout the criminal justice process.”