REDBRIDGE: Support service for rape victims launched in borough
3:40pm Thursday 18th November 2010 in News By Ryan McCarthy
Kit Malthouse, Deputy Mayor of London for Policing, Karen Ingala Smith, Chief Executive of the nia project, Keith Prince, Redbridge Council leader, Shoaib Patel, cabinet member for environment and community safety, Commander Jim Webster of the Met Police
A NEW support service for victims of rape has been launched in the borough.
Kit Malthouse, Deputy Mayor of London for Policing, was in Redbridge today to launch Rape Crisis East London.
The service caters for men and women from seven east London boroughs, offering support and counselling for people aged 14 and over who have been raped or sexually abused.
Mr Malthouse said: “Rape Crisis services can be a lifeline to women dealing with the long-term trauma of rape and sexual assault.
"Some women may suffer long-term anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder years after being attacked.
“The East London service will provide vital counselling and support, and is the third Rape Crisis service the Mayor has delivered in partnership with boroughs."
Redbridge will receive £370,000 from the Mayor of London to set up the service, with the funding spread over two years.
According to figures from the Mayor's office there were 2,180 rape offences in London between March 2008 and March 2009 and, on average, just 10 per cent of rapes are reported to the police.
The new service, based at Loxford Polyclinic, Ilford, will cover Barking and Dagenham, Hackney, Havering, Newham, Redbridge, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest.
Those who use the service do not need to have reported their experience to the police.
The service offers face-to-face counselling, a dedicated phone line where victims can access phone support and information and an outreach worker providing training and preventative services across as well as advocacy for those who have experienced rape and sexual abuse.
Keith Prince, leader of Redbridge Council, said: “Redbridge is proud to be leading on this project which provides vital support to victims of rape and sexual abuse."
Contact the London Rape Crisis helpline on 0808 802 9999.
The phone line is open every day of the year from midday to 2.30pm and 7pm to 9.30pm.
