Thousands of crime victims in West Yorkshire are set to receive counselling and enhanced support through an £11.4 million government funding package. The investment, allocated to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, will provide therapeutic, emotional, and practical assistance to victims of all crime types over the next two years.
The funding is also designated for vital specialist domestic abuse and sexual violence support services. Lord Chancellor Alex Norris visited the West Yorkshire Rape Crisis Partnership in Leeds today, Thursday 24 September, to observe how the service and local victims will benefit.
The West Yorkshire Rape Crisis Partnership offers specialist and trauma-informed counselling for women and girls who have experienced child sexual abuse, rape, or other forms of sexual violence. The service also provides advocacy through Independent Sexual Violence Advocates (ISVAs) for victims considering reporting sexual violence to the police.
Lord Chancellor Alex Norris stated that victim-survivors should be at the centre of the justice system, adding that the government aims to halve violence against women and girls in the next decade. Heather Collington, CEO of Kirklees, Calderdale and Wakefield Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASAC) and Lead Partner of the West Yorkshire Rape Crisis Partnership ISVA Service, welcomed the continued investment in specialist survivor support across West Yorkshire.
This funding is part of a broader £550 million government investment over the next three years to assist victims and witnesses through the justice process. Additionally, Rape Crisis England & Wales has been awarded £8.7 million to maintain the 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line.