A Brighton charity for victims of rape and sexual abuse has been awarded £20,000 to help fund its work for the next three years.
Survivors’ Network was given the grant by the Ministry of Justice to fund support for rape victims.
The money will be match funded by another £20,000 from the Partnership Community Safety Team in Brighton and Hove.
It will go towards supporting the charity’s independent sexual violence advisers (ISVAs) who work with victims, Sussex Police and health service staff.
Ruth Mason, manager at Survivors’ Network, said: “This funding really allows us to develop the service and to promote it more effectively with women who might need support but are frightened about what might happen if they report to the police.
“This service can answer any questions, and provide a confidential space for women to ensure that they are making the choices that are right for them.”
The charity, which was set up in 1990, also helps men who have been sexually assaulted.
Last year 214 sexual offences were reported in Brighton and Hove.
