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<p>The Ministry of Justice provides funding to specialist sexual violence services
to support victims to cope and, where possible, recover from the impact of crime.
We awarded increased funding to services in April this year and made a commitment
of £24m over three years. This funding is reaching 96 rape support centres across
England and Wales, ensuring specialist provision in each of the country’s 42 Police
and Crime Commissioner areas.</p><p>We provide £306,849 funding for helplines and
online services to ensure that all victims, regardless of location, can access support.</p><p>Services
in receipt of Ministry of Justice grant funding are expected to understand and respond
to the specific needs of victims in their area. This includes the provision of services
tailored to victims that may face additional barriers, such as BAME groups, to accessing
support.</p><p>Victims may also access Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs). There
are 47 SARCs in England who carry out forensic medical examinations and offer counselling
services. NHS England Investment in SARCs will increase to £35m by 2020. Victims may
also access NHS mental health services.</p><p>We are exploring ways to improve support
for BAME victims as part of our work to tackle racial disparity in the Criminal Justice
System.</p>
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