09/03/2009

More Help Given To Victims Of Sexual Violence

More funding to help improve the emergency centres that help victims of sexual assault, was announced by Health Minister Ann Keen today.

The National Support Team on Response to Sexual Violence will receive a £1.4 million funding boost to improve Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) across England that provide support for the victims of sexual violence.

SARCs offer victims of sexual offences an integrated service where they can receive medical care, psychological counselling, legal advice and support.

The Department will also be funding the start-up costs of a new Diploma to improve clinical standards in this area.

The Home Office strategy 'Together we can end violence against women and girls' was launched today.

This cross-Government, public consultation aims to raise awareness, discussion and debate on how society can end violence against women and girls, and overcome its debilitating impact on individuals, families and communities.

Visiting Whitechapel Haven, a SARC in North London the Ann Keen said: "I have the greatest admiration for the work that is going on in Sexual Assault Referral Centres throughout the country like the one I'm visiting today in Whitechapel. It is very important that victims should receive the help and support they need quickly in order to overcome the physical and mental impact of being a victim of this kind of crime - no matter where they live.

"I am determined that we are able to deliver the best service possible for all those who have been assaulted, whatever their age, gender or social circumstance. I look forward to contributing to the Home Office debate on Violence against women since there is much that we can do in the NHS and social care to prevent violence form occurring in the first place and to help bring offenders to justice."

(JM/BMcC)

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