Government funding to set up Orkney rape crisis service

The Scottish Government has announced an extra £1.85 million is to be invested in providing additional support for victims of sex crimes across Scotland.

The funding comes in the same week latest recorded crime figures showed that the number of sex crimes in Scotland had increased by 11 per cent in 2014-15.

The funding for Rape Crisis Scotland will also be used to support two additional projects, including the development of new local services in Orkney and Shetland. This will be the first time these specialist services have been delivered on the islands.

Manager of Women’s Aid Orkney, Sandra Paton, said: “We welcome the news of government funding for a much-needed Rape Crisis Service for the Orkney islands.

“Highlighting, yet again, the Scottish Government’s ongoing commitment to addressing all forms of violence against women and girls, this new service will provide specialist support for women and girls whose lives have been affected by sexual violence, and we look forward to working in partnership with Rape Crisis Scotland to help establish this new service.”