Green Party Councillors have pledged to restore a contract worth £25,000 to Safeline, a specialised sexual abuse charity, should they form part of the next administration at Warwickshire County Council. The local charity offer vital services to prevent sexual violence and abuse and support those affected to cope and recover.
The Conservative-controlled Warwickshire County Council had previously provided Safeline with funding worth £25,000 per year for counselling support to local people who have been sexually abused, however the council announced its decision to axe the charity’s funding in October. The Warwick-based charity says 48 children and young people that have experienced sexual abuse would no longer have access to trauma informed counselling to help them cope, recover, and move forward with their lives as a direct result of the cuts.
Leader of the Green Group at Warwickshire County Council, Jonathan Chilvers, confirmed the Party’s position earlier this week:
“Safeline provide a vital service to residents and the council has a duty of care towards them. Public bodies should seek to fulfil the needs of our most vulnerable residents first and the people helped by Safeline certainly fit into that category. The Green Party is committed to restoring Safeline’s funding contract should we become part of the administration at Warwickshire County Council next year”.
This is also supported by Green Party colleagues at Warwick District council, including Safeline Ambassador and Green District Councillor for Radford Semele ward, Becky Davidson, who undertook a 30-week fundraising challenge to mark the charity’s 30 year anniversary this year, raising £9,591 for the charity. Responding to the decision to axe funding, Cllr Davidson said:
“As a Safeline ambassador, I am deeply saddened to hear the County Council has chosen to terminate funding for Safeline’s sexual abuse counselling support. Children who go unsupported as sexual abuse victims are more likely to attempt suicide as adults. Warwickshire’s suicide rate is 8% higher than the national average.”
“The prevalence of sexual abuse in the Warwickshire region is deeply misunderstood and support for survivors was already lacking before this announcement. The County Council should be prioritising funding towards tackling violence against women, girls, men and boys. Sexual abuse is such a taboo topic that fundraising is a constant challenge. Warwickshire County Council are abandoning some of the most vulnerable people in society with this decision.”
Green Party Councillor for Kenilworth Park Hill, Lara Cron, who has also fundraised for Safeline added:
“Safeline provides an invaluable, and unfortunately essential service for those affected by sexual abuse. Beyond delivering free counselling, they offer forensic and medical aid, prevention advice, intervention guidance and professional training.”
“I am very disappointed by Warwickshire County Council’s decision to cut funding to the charity because in order to safeguard the most vulnerable people in our community, we must ensure Safeline receives the support it needs to continue its life-changing work.”