New mid Wales rape crisis centres set to open by end of year

Two new rape crisis centres for mid Wales are on schedule to open by the end of the year.

The £121,000 UK government-funded suites will be based in Aberystwyth in Ceredigion, and Newtown in Powys.

Dyfed-Powys Police area covers more than half of Wales and currently has only one specialist entre, in Carmarthen, which means some victims can face a round journey of up to five hours.

The new centres will be run in partnership with charity New Pathways and will have a medical examination room and be supported by a New Pathways crisis worker.

Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner, Christopher Salmon, said: “Victims will be able to access immediate specialist help. The services will have a significant effect on the psychological and physical wellbeing of victims.

“Each person will have a full assessment of their needs, and the on-going support provided by New Pathways and Dyfed Powys Police will be tailored to the individual.”