SOUTHEND's Rape crisis centre is set to receive a £107,000 cash injection.

The Government grant means they will now be able to offer specialist support to children and young people.

Justice Minister, Crispin Blunt, announced today that it was one fo five newly opened centres across the country will be getting extra cash.

In Southend, this money will also pay for four new staff and develop counselling and helpline services.

Mr Blunt said: "Rape and sexual violence are traumatising crimes which ruin lives.

“We want to ensure victims of these terrible crimes get the specialist support they need to recover which is why the Government is funding this new centre in Southend.

"This is part of the Government's long-term commitment to victims of rape and sexual violence, which will see a further four centres open in Leeds, Mid-Wales, Northumberland and Ipswich.”

Kate Harriss, manager of Rape Crisis Southend, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this funding from the Ministry of Justice.

"This money means that we can develop and increase the support that we can offer to survivors of sexual abuse in our community and also start to offer therapeutic support for young people and children affected by sexual violence.”