New rape support centres to open in Mid Wales
Two centres which will support victims of rape will open in Mid Wales in the next 12 months.
Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner Christopher Salmon said he has secured £121,000 of government funding to open the centres in Newtown and Aberystwyth by summer 2015.
Mr Salmon said: "Victims of rape and sexual assault are highly vulnerable. I am committed to providing improved facilities and care to support them.
"These facilities will ensure that victims of these horrific crimes will not have to travel excessive distances to receive the support they need. I am delighted that we have secured this grant from the Ministry of Justice Police and Crime Commissioner Competed Fund."
At the moment, there is only one specialist sexual assault referral centre in the Dyfed-Powys Police force area in Carmarthen which services the whole of the region.
Mr Salmon, who is working in partnership with Welsh charity New Pathways, will use the grant to refurbish two premises used by Dyfed-Powys Police to create the Rural Satellite Rape Crisis Centres.
Based at Newtown Police Station and a property in Bow Street, Aberystwyth, they will ensure that victims in Ceredigion and Powys have access to a local facility as currently some victims can face a round journey of up to five hours.
The centres will have a medical examination room and be supported by a New Pathways crisis worker. Mr Salmon said: "Victims will be able to access immediate specialist help. The services will have a significant effect on the psychological and physical wellbeing of victims.
"Each person will have a full assessment of their needs, and the on-going support provided by New Pathways and Dyfed-Powys Police will be tailored to the individual."
Dyfed-Powys Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Pam Kelly said: "Victims of rape and sexual assault deserve the very best service and support. This funding will make an enormous difference to victims living in our rural communities."
New Pathways chief executive Jackie Stamp added: "
It's vital these services are provided locally where they're so badly needed. "
