Written question asked by Claire Curtis-Thomas (Labour) on Friday, 29 October 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 18 November 2004. It was answered by Paul Goggins (Labour) on Thursday, 18 November 2004 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what support is available for victims in sex abuse cases after they give their testimony; and what percentage of victims make use of this support. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mrs. Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what support is available for victims in sex abuse cases after they give their testimony; and what percentage of victims make use of this support. [195483] Paul Goggins: There are a number of specialist groups providing support and other services to victims of sexual offending. We are providing £4 million over two years to support the development of such services. This will include increasing the number of Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) and developing a range of complimentary services to address short and longer- term individual need--many of which are provided by voluntary and community sector organisations. Information about the funding can be viewed on the Government funding web site. Victim Support is a national organisation that provides support to victims and witnesses of crime, including victims of sexual offending. This year Victim Support have been offered £30 million grant-in-aid funding from the Home Office to enable them to provide this support. If a victim of a sexual offence gives their express consent then the police will refer their details to Victim Support. The British Crime Survey and Victim Support data indicates that in 2003-04, approximately 31 per cent. of victims of reported sexual offences were referred to Victim Support.

Secondary information