Funding announced for expansion of rape crisis services in North Isles

Rape crisis services in Orkney and Shetland are to receive an extra £38,000 to increase their staff, the Scottish Governement’s Justice Secretary Michael Matheson has announced.

During a visit to Orkney today, Friday, Mr Matheson met with survivors who have been supported by Orkney Rape Crisis to discuss the difference that having local advocacy support services has meant for them.

While in Orkney he also met with staff at Kirkwall’s Child Contact Centre and the Orkney Youth Cafe. Mr Matheson made the funding announcement while visiting Shetland yesterday.

During his North Isles visit Mr Matheson also announced £76,000 funding to support training for up to 50 doctors to carry out examinations of victims of sexual crimes, abuse and rape. In addition to redesigning training for doctors and nursing staff, NHS Education Scotland is to create a clinical position to mentor trainees, look at how more women can be recruited and how the training is promoted.

Mr Matheson said: “Rape Crisis Scotland does incredible work and is literally a life line to those who need their services. I have had the privilege of meeting with people who have been supported by these new services and they cannot speak highly enough of the support they have received from Shetland and Orkney Rape Crisis. That is why I am delighted that we are building on the success of the establishment of these local centers and providing additional funding for each.

“Sexual crimes can have a truly devastating impact on people and, particularly when you may feel isolated from family, friends or your community, you need somewhere to turn for support and guidance.”