Three organisations working with victims of sexual abuse and violence are receiving a total of £27,000 in funding from Leicestershire Police and Crime Commissioner Lord Willy Bach.
This one-off funding, announced at the start of Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Week (Monday 6 Feb) goes to First Step, Leicester Rape Crisis and The Quetzal Project. Each receives £9,000.
The Commissioner said today: “These organisations offer a range of appropriate support and advice to survivors which I know make a real difference to survivors.
“I’ve visited each organisation to see for myself how they help survivors and it’s clear to me that their support can be a gateway to recovery for those who all too often battle against feelings of isolation and helplessness. I’ve been clear that I intend to help vulnerable people and victims of crime and I’m pleased to be able to provide such tangible support.
“The message going out across the UK this week is ‘It’s not okay.’ In my view ‘it’s never okay’ My hope is that victims will take note of this, break their silence and seek the support they need.”
First Step’s confidential services for male survivors of sexual abuse aim to enable them to make ‘the first step’ towards feeling less isolated through increased personal power to make choices. The organisation offers counselling and emotional support as well as delivering awareness training sessions at local agencies and support services.
Services provided by Leicester Rape Crisis include counselling, advice on practical solutions, a young women’s service for those aged 13-19, an outreach service across Leicestershire and Rutland and a women’s arts-based service.
The Quetzal Project is a small charity which specialises in working with women who have been sexually abused as children. It provides crisis and long term counselling - including telephone and online counselling - and also outreach services. Last year demand for Quetzal’s support increased by 80%. It is the only organisation offering specialist historical sexual abuse counselling for women in their area.
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Media Enquiries: Sallie Blair - 01283 821012 / 07702 541401
Posted on Thursday 9th February 2017