WEST Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion is to increase funding and work with other partner agencies to ensure vital services for victims of rape can continue.
The Commissioner already provides more than £1.7million in funding for West Mercia Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (WMRSASC), an increase of more than £1.2m since he came into post in 2016.
“Victims are at the forefront of everything I do, so it was completely unacceptable to hear that these vital services are at risk,” he said.
“It was imperative all partners involved work together and step up to help those most in need in our communities.
“I have quickly made progress through the positive relationships we have with our partners, but there is still more we can do, and I will continue to work collectively to ensure victims of such a serious crime get the right specialist help at the right time.”
The PCC has offered an additional £100,000 for the service and has undertaken a commitment to work with other organisations to ensure that additional and ongoing funding from these agencies is forthcoming.
So far, Herefordshire Council has agreed to contribute £120,000 and Worcestershire Council a further £100,000 towards solving the immediate crisis.
Jocelyn Anderson, chief executive of WMRSASC said: “It is very heartening to hear that both the PCC and councils have pledged much needed support for survivors.
“Our service needs long-term, sustainable funding and for our counselling service to be properly commissioned by local partners.
“Whilst this is a huge step in the right direction and it needs to be underpinned by an ongoing commitment for survivors, knowing that the PCC will support us in this is very positive.”
