Charity awarded £5m to help survivors of abuse

The charity, based in Bodmin, said the new partnership would come into effect on 1 October

A Cornwall charity has been awarded a new contract to provide support for survivors of rape and sexual assault across the south west.

The Women's Centre Cornwall said it would lead a £5m five-year partnership contract.

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

The charity, based in Bodmin, said the new partnership would come into effect on 1 October.

'Specialist support'

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

"I am confident in the delivery of a long-term, robust and innovative service to those who need specialist support after experiencing rape or sexual violence," she said.

Jackie May, chief executive of the Women's Centre Cornwall, said they were delighted to be selected.

"We are looking 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-skilled local organisations: Devon Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Services, the Children’s Society, Intercom Trust, West Cornwall Women’s Aid, the Olive Project and Konnect Communities."

Ms May added: "Together, we are well placed to effectively serve every community across the peninsula."