On Monday 8th October our Patron Anne Milton MP spoke in Parliament about the NSPCC’s #ClosetheLoop campaign, which highlighted gaps in the law that meant those in some positions of power could legally groom 16 & 17 year olds.
Anne also talked passionately about our work and the challenges we face to manage the increasingly high demand for our service in Surrey.
Her words were met with support from Chris Philp MP. Mr Philp is the recently appointed Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Ministry of Justice. Mr Philp stated that it was his hope we would benefit directly from some of the increased funding for sexual violence support services announced by the Ministry of Justice in September.
The announcement stated that funding for rape support services is to be increased from £8m to £12m per annum from April 2020.
RASASC CEO, Lesley Devonport said “I am delighted that both Anne and Chris Philp MP recognise and support our work and can understand the challenges of balancing the needs of survivors against the funding we are given. It is my sincere hope that the Minister’s words come to fruition and that we benefit directly from this increased funding”.