The Cornwall charity has awarded £5m to help survivors of abuse

A Cornwall charity has been awarded a new contract to provide support to survivors of rape and sexual assault in the South West.

The Cornwall Women’s Center has said it will lead a five-year £5m partnership deal.

The Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly funds a number of Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVAs) to work with people who have experienced rape and sexual assault.

The charity said the new partnership will come into force on 1 October 2024.

“Specialist Support”

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Alison Hernandez, said she was “committed to ensuring that victims of such traumatic crimes” receive the best possible support to cope and recover.

“I am confident in providing long-term, robust and innovative services to those who need specialist support after experiencing rape or sexual violence,” she said.

She also reassured anyone currently working with an ISVA that there has been no cut in funding, adding that there will be no reduction in the number of ISVA roles in Devon and Cornwall.

‘Well placed’

Cornwall Women’s Center chief executive Jackie May said they were delighted to be shortlisted.

“We look forward to working with the Police and Crime Commissioner’s office to ensure that survivors of sexual violence of all ages and genders receive excellent support,” she said.

“Our new partnership brings together the collective expertise of six highly qualified local organisations: Devon Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Services, Children’s Society, Intercom Trust, West Cornwall Women’s Aid, Olive Project and Konnect Communities.”

Mrs May added: “Together we are well placed to effectively serve every community on the peninsula.”

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