Extra cash to help victims of sexual violence

SHETLAND Rape Crisis is one of 14 centres across Scotland to benefit from additional government money to help victims of sexual violence.

Local manager, Linda Gray, said she was delighted for the service to receive an extra £11,000 annually over the next three years.

“We currently have a waiting list for people wishing to receive specialist trauma psychotherapy and therapeutic support and this additional funding will enable us to explore recruitment options for an additional part time therapeutic support worker,” she said.

The extra funding was announced earlier this year by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon as part of the 2018/19 programme for government.

On Monday, minister for older people and equalities, Christina McKelvie, released details of the individual allocations.

“We are committed to preventing and eradicating violence against women and girls. And a huge part of delivering on that commitment is ensuring that victims of rape or sexual assault are able to come forward and access the right support when they need it,” she said.

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Rape crisis centres offer free and confidential emotional and practical support, information and advocacy to those who have experienced sexual violence at any time in their lives.

Shetland Rape Crisis launched in May 2016 and employs three part time workers with Gray being the service manager and specialist trauma psychotherapist.

An advocacy and support worker provides specialist support through the legal process including reporting an incident to police, while the sexual violence prevention worker delivers evidence based workshops in all local secondary schools on topics relating to sexual violence.