Victims of sexual violence will receive the support they need more quickly – thanks to £1.5 million funding being provided to rape crisis centres across Scotland.

Rape crisis centres offer free and confidential emotional and practical support, information, and advocacy to those who have experienced sexual violence at any time in their lives.

Confirming the allocations to 14 centres, Minister for Older People and Equalities, Christina McKelvie, said, ‘We are committed to preventing and eradicating violence against women and girls. And a huge part of delivering on that commitment is ensuring that victims of rape or sexual assault are able to come forward and access the right support when they need it.

‘The work that rape crisis centres do is invaluable and that is why I am delighted to confirm the distribution to 14 centres – from Shetland to the Scottish Borders – of £1.5 million over the next three years.

‘That funding will bolster the resource available to each centre to ensure that more people can receive support, more quickly, as well as helping these services plan for the future.’