A HEREFORDSHIRE rape and sexual abuse centre forced to close its doors to new referrals are hopeful a new scheme could help survivors.
Police and crime commissioner John Campion sought reassurance from the chief constable Pippa Mills, on October 4, that the force is working to protect vulnerable people from becoming a victim of crime across West Mercia.
The commissioner has a process in place focused on delivering his 'Safer West Mercia Plan', that will ensure the vulnerable members of the community are at the heart of policing.
The plan includes providing sustainable funding for victim and survivor services for rape and sexual assault, and ensuring police have appropriate training.
West Mercia rape and sexual abuse support centre (WMRSASC) closed its waiting list earlier this year due to lack of funding, leaving some victims without much needed help.
The centre has waited to see a scheme such as this implemented.
Denise Griffiths, head of operations at the support centre, said:
"Each person's experience will be different but once these changes have been implemented, we will be able to track and feedback to the commissioner to ensure that our clients are receiving the appropriate support to meet their own individual needs.
"Anything that benefits our clients will benefit the centre as survivors' needs are at the heart of all the work that we do.
"We are pleased to see a recognition that improvements need to be made for victims and survivors of rape and sexual abuse and that West Mercia Police have given reassurances that they will deliver on the changes needed to achieve this."
The commissioner is concerned at the number of victims of sexual offences who are more likely to require extra support and services who were not receiving updates on their case when they should be.
Mr Campion said: "It is imperative that the force makes the improvements around resources and ensures a greater number of officers and staff are trained to meet increasing demands."
The chief constable provided him with reassurance that internal changes will be made, said Mr Campion.
"I will continue to support and challenge the force to see that it happens, and we are doing all we can to protect and support the most vulnerable in our society," he said.
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