West Yorkshire victims to get crucial £11.4m of vital funding
£11.4 million in government funding will provide counselling and support services for crime victims in West Yorkshire over the next two years.
The UK Government is allocating £11.4 million to West Yorkshire to fund therapeutic, emotional and practical support for victims of all crimes over the next two years. The funding will also bolster specialist services for domestic abuse and sexual violence survivors. The investment is part of a broader commitment to halve violence against women and girls within a decade.
Lord Chancellor Alex Norris visited the West Yorkshire Rape Crisis Partnership in Leeds to highlight the impact of the funding. The partnership provides trauma-informed counselling and advocacy for women and girls who have experienced sexual violence. Independent Sexual Violence Advocates (ISVAs) offer support to those considering reporting to police.
The funding recognises the critical role of specialist services in supporting survivors through the criminal justice system. West Yorkshire Combined Authority, led by Mayor Tracy Brabin and Baroness Alison Lowe, welcomed the investment. Local organisations such as Support After Rape and Sexual Violence Leeds and Bradford Rape Crisis will administer the funds.
This £11.4 million is part of a £550 million government investment over three years to assist victims and witnesses in England and Wales. An additional £8.7 million has been awarded to Rape Crisis England & Wales for a 24/7 support helpline for survivors aged 16 and over.