The Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Fund

The Ministry of Justice has announced that it will award up to £26.2 million in funding for specialist rape and sexual abuse charities in England and Wales. 

The Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Fund has, since 2019, provided funding for front-line charities and other organisations who offer support for survivors of rape and sexual abuse.  It is worth noting that of the £26.2 million in the fund, £15.7 million has reportedly been ringfenced specifically to be used by regional Police and Crime Commissions (PCC’s), who then allocate funding to local support services, such as START in Hampshire.   

David Hawkins, a specialist in Child Abuse law at Biscoes Solicitors commented

“While it is welcomed that the MOJ has provided much needed funding which will go to help individuals through the PCC’s initiatives, there are also many smaller, independent charities who do great work with victims and survivors of sexual abuse who rely on this type of funding, which I hope will be directly available to them.”