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 Monday, 15 November 2004. It was answered by Paul Goggins (Labour) on Monday, 15 November 2004 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether there are victim advocates to support victims in sex abuse cases. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mrs. Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether there are victim advocates to support victims in sex abuse cases. [195485] Paul Goggins: Victim Support is the main organisation in England and Wales that provides support and practical help to victims and witnesses of crime, including victims of sexual offending. This year Victim Support has been offered £30 million grant-in- aid funding from the Home Office to enable them to provide this support. Victim Support offers free and confidential support regardless of whether the crime has been reported to the police. Victim Support can help in dealing with other organisations and provide links to additional sources of help. If a victim attends court then Victim Support's Witness Service can provide support before, during and after a hearing. A number of specialist organisations exist to offer support and other services to victims of sexual offending. The Home Office has allocated an additional £4 million funding over two years to develop services for victims of sexual crime. Part of this funding will be used to support the development of local services, provided in many cases by the voluntary and community sector.

Secondary information