Judge's concern over closure of Suffolk Rape Crisis

Ipswich Crown Court resident judge Martyn Levett said that rape and sexual violence offences were treated with the utmost seriousness by the courts, the police, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) where survivors can get confidential medical and emotional support.

Judge Levett was speaking as Suffolk Rape Crisis announced it was planning to close down after seeing its funding cut.

He said: "There are some women and girls who don't want, or do not feel ready to speak about their experiences. 

Jude Martyn Levett expressed his disappointment at the closure (Image: Simon Lee)

"Suffolk Rape Crisis was a unique support charity because it was an all-female space providing support for women and girls over the age 14 who go through similar experiences. 

"The cost-of-living crisis is having a noticeable financial effect on a wave of closures of several voluntary organisations and charities providing important support for those in need across the county. 

"Closures are always of concern. It creates new risks and leaves gaps in the provision of support and signposting to other agencies for those in need and causes new demands on other services, including the council’s statutory services."

He said the internet has a list of organisations who can assist someone who wants to talk about their experiences and is in need of extra support.

Suffolk Rape Crisis has announced it will be closing at the end of July. (Image: Dolly Carter, Newsquest)

Suffolk Rape Crisis, which has helped more than 3,000 women and girls over the last 13 years, announced it will be closing, saying funding from the government and other sources has come to an end.

Suffolk's Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore has financially supported the group previously, and said his support would have continued with his agreement due to end in 2025.

He said: "I was dismayed to learn of the closure pf Suffolk Rape Crisis at the end of July – an organisation that provides a vital service for victims of this appalling crime in Suffolk and one I have supported financially for many years.

"I had hoped that with our continuing commitment to support them, other funders would come forward, but sadly others seemed unable or unwilling to help for their own reasons.

"As long as I am Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner that funding commitment remains and has not and will not change."

Announcing the closure, Sarah Brennan, interim CEO of Suffolk Rape Crisis, who will oversee the closure, said: "We are all really devastated.

"We're the only service of this kind in the whole of Suffolk and there isn't a rape crisis in Norfolk, so we cover a huge area. We have really changed people's lives, the feedback we receive is incredible.

"It's just so devastating that our two major core funders is ending. We've been applying like mad to get some funding in but it's all short term.

"It's absolutely terrible. This means a lot to the people who work here, everyone is so committed and they see how much they help women so for that not to be there anymore is tough."

Suffolk Rape Crisis estimated it supports 250 people a year, which equates to about 3,250 people in Suffolk and Norfolk who have benefitted from its services since 2011.

A Suffolk police spokesman said: “We were saddened to hear of the closure of Suffolk Rape Crisis and we thank all of the team for all their support and counselling they have provided victims.

"To reassure victims of rape or sexual assault, if you report such an incident, you will be listened to and treated with dignity, sensitivity and respect. Each investigation is tailored to the specific needs of a victim with specialist trained interviewers and other agencies supporting the investigation.

"Suffolk also has a dedicated Sexual Assault Referral Centre and a team of specialist independent sexual violence advisers who support any victims who come forward to report rape or serious sexual offences, either to police or directly to the SARC."