Fourteen rape crisis centres across Scotland to share £1.5m in funding

Rape crisis centres across Scotland are to receive £1.5 million to expand support services.

Equalities minister Christina McKelvie (pictured) said the Scottish Government is “committed to preventing and eradicating violence against women and girls”.

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

The First Minister announced that rape crisis centres would be given additional funding over three years in her programme for government.

It has now been confirmed that 14 centres will share the funds, with units in Dundee and Glasgow receiving £74,000 each.

The centre on Shetland will be given an extra £11,000 over three years, with others receiving between £10,000 and £37,000.

Ms McKelvie said: “We are committed to preventing and eradicating violence against women and girls. 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.

“The work that rape crisis centres do is invaluable and that is why I am delighted to confirm the distribution to 14 centres – from Shetland to the Scottish Borders – of £1.5 million over the next three years.

“That funding will bolster the resource available to each centre to ensure that more people can receive support, more quickly, as well as helping these services plan for the future.”

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