Reports of rape and sexual assault to a specialist support charity have risen by 30% in a year.
Figures released by New Pathways, a rape crisis and sexual abuse support service, means the charity is now dealing with a record amount of referrals for those in need of emergency support.
Reports made to them by men and women as well as children, some as young as three, have risen from 769 to 1,007 in a 12 month period.
And this, they say, is just the tip of the iceberg as the numbers do not take into account those asking for help in dealing with historic abuse or the work done by the charity’s growing children’s department.
In a bid to tackle the escalating problem the national charity, which provides crisis support, pre-court therapy and counselling to thousands throughout many parts of Wales, is expanding its specialised service.
It already has premises in Merthyr, Risca, Swansea, Bridgend, Carmarthen, an outreach post in Cardiff and a few weeks ago saw its subsidiary charity Mid Wales Rape Support Centre open in Abertyswyth.
It has also opened new premises in Newport this month which will help cater for growing demand with scores of new referrals being made daily.
It’s a far cry from the charity’s humble beginnings in 1993 when it was set up as a helpline purely for women by its founder Libby Jones who was awarded an MBE for her pioneering work.
One of those original handful of volunteers was Jackie Stamp who now runs New Pathways as its Chief Executive with a dedicated team of experienced therapists and volunteers.
Jackie said: “The charity has grown so much over the years.
“Although this is a reflection on the sheer size of the problem we are facing, it means that many more people are accessing help to move on after rape or sexual abuse.
“Despite the high number of people needing our help, funding for this work is quite precarious, particularly in the current economic climate.
“This is a very difficult area of work and we are fortunate to have a very dedicated team of staff and volunteers who are passionate about our work.”
New Pathways has helped establish a number of specialised units, known as SARCs or Sexual Assault Referral Centres, which incorporate examination rooms for the gathering of forensic evidence and recording/interview studios.
These are run in conjunction with all Welsh police forces and have been designed for victims of rape, which in the past had to endure the trauma of forensic examination at police facilities.
Wales’ Lead for Protecting Vulnerable People Jeff Farrar, who is also Gwent Police’s Chief Constable, said: “Gwent Police have worked closely with New Pathways for a number of years and has seen first hand the excellent work that they do in supporting victims or rape and serious sexual abuse.
“New Pathways played an instrumental part in the establishment of Gwent Police specialist Onyx Unit which investigates rape and sexual abuse.
“The support provided by New Pathways has made a real difference to victims’ lives and through joint working with Gwent Police more victims are being supported and more offenders are being prosecuted.”
New Pathways, which has won a number of business and enterprise awards, has been funded by the WG, Merthyr County Council and the National Lottery but its future depends on grants and donations.
Anyone who may have been affected by rape and sexual abuse or wants to pledge support can contact New Pathways on 01685 379310 or email enquiries@newpathways.org.uk