Nearly a million women in North London will benefit from a new Rape Crisis centre to be set up by the end of the year following a commitment by Islington Council.
Islington Council was chosen by the GLA to lead the project with Westminster Council because of its experience and reputation in co-ordinating outreach services for women.
The newly commissioned joint service could be open by autumn 2010.
Speaking on International Women's Day (8 March), Cllr Barbara Smith, Executive Member for Community Safety, Islington Council said:
"Islington welcomes its role as joint lead on the delivery of services for Rape Crisis in North London. We are very aware of the trust that has been placed in us in this sensitive area.
"The new service means women in Islington and across neighboring boroughs will now have access to local, specialist services at the time when they most need them."
Islington and Westminster councils will receive £370,000 from the Mayor of London to set up the services with the support of five other north London councils. Rape Crisis services will be run in each borough with the work centrally co-ordinated by an existing women’s service provider.
Women in north London will not have to travel across boroughs but can access services locally.
ENDS
Notes to editor:
* The partnership is jointly led by Islington and Westminster Councils. The other boroughs in the partnership are Camden, Enfield, Barnet, Haringey, Kensington & Chelsea.
Page Last Updated: 08 March 2010