New services for victims of domestic violence and rape

The government has announced £2.5 million for services for victims of domestic violence and rape today.

The money will fund dedicated domestic violence and sexual violence advisers who will work with victims and make sure their safety is paramount across the criminal justice system.

The advisers will also provide victims with expert advice on accessing essential services such as victim and witness agencies, housing, health, counselling and child care.

Those working with sufferers of domestic violence will be located in the 21 areas in England and Wales with specialist domestic violence courts.

It is the first time expert advisers for victims of sexual crime have been appointed and they will be based in new sexual assault referral centres or specialist sexual violence voluntary organisations across the country. The money is also going toward the start up costs for the new centres

In a separate announcement the government launched a consultation on new measures designed to increase conviction rates in reported rape cases today. This currently only stands at 6 per cent.

Download Home Office report Convicting rapists and protecting victims – justice for victims of rape