Survivors of sexual violence across Wales will be able to access
specialist counselling and emotional support more quickly, thanks
to a new £2.4m Welsh Government investment, announced today on
White Ribbon Day (25 November).
The investment will ensure that by next March, those who need
specialist counselling and emotional support will have begun
their recovery journey with their first therapy session.
Funding will go to New Pathways, Stepping Stones, Rape and Sexual
Abuse Support Centre North Wales and Cyfannol Women's Aid. The
additional support will allow these organisations to offer more
appointments, recruit specialist counsellors and provide timely,
trauma-informed care for survivors across Wales.
Sexual violence therapeutic services play an essential role in
helping people recover from the lasting impact of sexual
violence, including anxiety, depression and post-traumatic
stress. They give survivors a safe and supportive space to
process trauma, rebuild confidence and regain a sense of control
over their lives. These services also reduce isolation, promote
healing and encourage survivors to come forward for support and
justice.
The extra funding announced today will ensure that all victims in
Wales can get the support they need, with services that are
properly funded, high quality, and tailored to each person's
circumstances.
Jackie Stamp, CEO at New Pathways, has welcomed
the funding. She said: “The funding announced today will make a
significant difference to the lives of people of all ages
affected by sexual violence in Wales. Many of our clients are
highly traumatised by their experiences, and providing access to
specialist therapy services as soon as possible is essential to
aid their recovery. This money will enable specialist sexual
violence services like ours to recruit and train more counsellors
to meet the current high demand for our services, and in doing so
it will change many peoples' lives.”
, the Cabinet Secretary for Social
Justice said: “There is no place for harassment, abuse
or violence in our society. Ten years on from our landmark
Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Act
2015, we focus on making Wales the safest place to be a woman or
a girl.
“However, we know that sexual violence is the reality for too
many women, men and children in Wales, and that it has a
long-lasting impact. I want to do all I can to ensure they can
access the right support as quickly as possible so they can begin
their recovery journey without delay.
“We are proud to work alongside dedicated specialist
organisations, the police and wider public services to prevent
abuse, tackle perpetration and make sure that everyone affected
by sexual violence can access the support they need, when they
need it.”
Notes to editors
This additional funding will provide all victims with equal
access to appropriately resourced, high quality, needs-led,
strength-based, inter-sectional and responsive services across
Wales, as set out in Objective 6 of Welsh Government's Violence against women,
domestic abuse and sexual violence: strategy 2022 to 2026.
