27/01/10

By Howard Lent

Government funding for voluntary agencies that provide support to victims of sexual violence will be streamlined with the establishment of a one-year combined fund for 2010/11.

The fund has been created by merging the Office for Criminal Justice Reform Victims Fund and the Government Equalities Office Special Fund, in order to simplify the application and administration process for voluntary organisations in the sector.

The combined fund will mean there is a single application and monitoring process.

Maria Eagle, deputy minister for women & equality and minister of state at the Ministry of Justice, said: "The Government is committed to working with the voluntary sector to make sure victims of these devastating crimes get the support they need.

"This combined fund makes the process of applying for funding simpler for voluntary agencies, bringing down administration costs and meaning they can spend more time on supporting victims of sexual violence."

This move to simplify application and administration processes for voluntary organisations follows publication of the cross-Government strategy Together We Can End Violence Against Women & Girls, which signalled a new approach to working with the voluntary sector.

Alongside this combined fund for 2010/11, work is under way to develop longer-term arrangements, consistent with the strategy on Violence Against Women & Girls and the new National Victims Service.

As part of this process, the Home Office is also inviting organisations working in the sector to apply for grants to fund Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs).

For 2010/11 the Home Office is making a total of £860,000 available to fund ISVAs, who support victims of sexual violence by helping them to access services and supporting them as their cases progress through the criminal justice system.

Alan Campbell, home office minister, said: "It is essential that every victim has access to the services and support they need to be able to come forward, report these horrific crimes and bring the perpetrators to justice.

"That is why I am pleased to announce that from today organisations in the voluntary sector can apply for a grant of up to £20,000 for 2010/11 so we can ensure more victims will have access to the specialist advice of an Independent Sexual Violence Adviser."

Agencies can make applications for both sets of funding from today until 22 February 2010 and grant awards will be announced in March, meaning that successful applicants will know what they can expect to receive ahead of the new financial year.

Details of how to apply, application forms and eligibility criteria for both sets of funding can be found at www.governmentfunding.org.uk and www.crimereduction.homeoffice.gov.uk/violentcrime/sexual12.htm

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