WEST Mercia's Police and Crime Commissioner is to invest more than £700,000 in support services for victims of sexual violence in the area - including additional funding in new projects.

John Campion pledged to put victims first and that will be a key priority in his Safer West Mercia Plan, with a focus on delivering improved and consistent services for victims to help them cope, recover and reduce re-victimisation.

Along with the services already available to victims, the Commissioner is providing funding this year for extra Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs). Two new male advisors have been employed to provide victims with a choice.

Funding has also been given to pilot two new schemes to specifically support families with children who have been victims of sexual violence, as well as to raise wider awareness of the issue in communities.

The PCC is also supporting preventative work within schools. A sexual violence resource pack, aimed at 11 to 18-year-olds, is currently being delivered across Herefordshire and Worcestershire. The project looks at issues such as consent, what sexual violence/abuse is, sexting and pornography.

Mr Campion said: "Through supporting these services, I am delivering on my promise to put victims first.

"We work hard to prevent this awful crime from happening in the first place but, where it does occur, it's important we have the right structures and resources to help people cope and recover and provide them with the best possible service."

Denise Griffiths, operations manager for West Mercia Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (WMRSASC), added: "There are very few male ISVAs working within the UK and WMRSASC is pleased to be able to provide this additional support for clients.

"This is a key part of the ongoing development of specialist sexual violence support services that WMRSASC provides."