Boris keep your promise

By Louise Smith

One of Boris Johnson’s mayoral manifesto pledges was to increase rape crisis provision in London from one to four Rape Crisis Centres. But after 18 months in office, there are still only “plans” for one centre and the budget is £800,000 shy of what was promised.

To pressurise Boris to keep his word, 38 Degrees are working with the Boris Keep Your Promise campaign.

Last year, reported rapes increased by 14.5%. But conviction rates remain very low at 6.5%. In the long term, failure to support victims of rape also increases the pressure on other support services.

Currently, the NHS does not offer specialist rape crisis support beyond six weeks of counselling. As a result, most survivors of sexual violence are left on their own and some go on to develop addictions and mental health problems. The consequences for individuals, their children and public
services are widespread.

Victims of rape and sexual violence should not be put in a position where they have to fight for the support they deserve to enable them to move on with their lives. For people who have been raped, Crisis Centres provide essential support in dealing with overwhelming trauma. In addition, if a prosecution is pursued, Crisis Centres can provide legal guidance.

Boris Johnson acknowledged that they were an essential service by making his commitment to support them before his election. Sign up to our campaign and stop him from going back on his word.