Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps she is taking to ensure adequate support is provided to victims of rape and serious sexual offences in (a) England and (b) Berkshire.

The Ministry of Justice provides funding for vital victim and witness support services, including community-based domestic abuse and sexual violence services, in addition to core funding for Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) to allocate at their discretion, based on their assessment of local need.

I am maintaining 2024-25 funding levels for ringfenced sexual violence and domestic abuse support in 2025-26. The Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Fund provides c.£20 million to specialist sexual violence support organisations across England each year, including £700,000 for activities in the Thames Valley PCC area.

We have committed to introduce free independent legal advisors for victims of adult rape to help them understand and uphold their legal rights.

Beyond March 2026, the Spending Review will prioritise delivering the Government’s missions.