Community / 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.
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.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.