Rape Crisis Funding

That the Parliament notes with concern reports that women and girls are waiting 170 days, on average, to access specialist support services after experiencing sexual violence; recognises that 800 women and girls are currently waiting for support across the West Scotland and Glasgow and Clyde areas; understands that only two-thirds of these women and girls will be able to receive support on current funding levels for both the STAR Centre and Glasgow and Clyde Rape Crisis; recognises research by the Scottish Rape Crisis Alliance, which suggests that over 3,000 women and girls in these areas will be waiting for support if there is no change in current funding levels for the STAR Centre and Glasgow and Clyde Rape Crisis; notes that the STAR Centre, which covers all of Ayrshire, is providing support to over 150 women and girls with around five support and advocacy workers; acknowledges that Glasgow and Clyde Rape Crisis faces significant logistical challenges, including transport costs, due to covering six separate local authority areas; believes that those who have been a victim of sexual violence should have prompt access to the best available support, and calls on the Scottish Government to urgently bring forward proposals to provide rape crisis centres with desperately needed funding to deliver vital services.