£1 million allocated to support rape and sex assault victims

Barnsley will receive £379,913 over two years from the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Fund , while Doncaster will receive £283,822 in the same period.

The money will support Barnsley Sexual Abuse & Rape Crisis Services and Doncaster Rape & Sexual Abuse Counselling Service.

Sheffield will also receive £154,980 between August 2023 and March 2024 and £258,300 for the year to March 2025.

The Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Fund, initially launched in 2011, is part of the government’s commitment to quadruple funding for victim support services by 2025 compared to 2010.

South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Dr Alan Billings (pictured), said: “These organisations provide a vital service to victims of sexual violence, sexual abuse and exploitation in their areas.

“These services are supported with funding from my office, local councils and national funding from the Ministry of Justice. 

“These collaborative efforts, boosted by this additional funding, will help them continue to provide support for those who need it and provide a measure of stability.

“Sexual violence is a serious crime and I’m pleased we can strengthen the support provided to victims.”