The Scottish Government has allocated £1.5 million to centres across the country, with the money being used to provide support to victims quickly

Centres that support victims of sexual abuse across Scotland have received a funding boost.

The Scottish Government has announced it will hand £1.5 million to 14 rape crisis centres.

The money will be used to help victims receive the support they need more quickly.

Minister for older people and equalities Christina McKelvie said: “We are committed to preventing and eradicating violence against women and girls. And a huge part of delivering on that commitment is ensuring that victims of rape or sexual assault are able to come forward and access the right support when they need it.

“The work that rape crisis centres do is invaluable and that is why I am delighted to confirm the distribution to 14 centres – from Shetland to the Scottish Borders - of £1.5 million over the next three years.

“That funding will bolster the resource available to each centre to ensure that more people can receive support, more quickly, as well as helping these services plan for the future.”

Sandy Brindley, chief executive of Rape Crisis Scotland, said the money will make a difference, however warned that the centres had been underfunded.

She said: "Many of our centres currently have significant waiting lists, and we know that having plucked up the courage to contact a rape crisis service, being told there is a waiting list can be very distressing.

"Rape is a crime which can have a devastating impact, and support should be available when someone needs it.

"This funding won’t solve all of the problems caused by the under funding of rape crisis centres across Scotland, but it will make a considerable difference."