The news that more than one hundred local councils could face legal action for not providing specialist support for women affected by sexual violence has added to the pressure on London Mayor Boris Johnson to deliver his promise of £744,000 a year for rape crisis centres in the capital. Under questioning by Jenny Jones at the London Assembly budget committee, the Mayor admitted that that he would only provide £233,000 a year towards the centres.
"Increased support for the victims of rape has been an important part of Boris Johnson’s pledge to Londoners. Despite a 16% rise in reported rapes in the UK last year, the Mayor of London has cut proposed spending by more than £500,000.
"As the UK’s capital it is essential that London provides the best care for those affected by sexual violence. Unless the Mayor delivers on his election pledge, rape victims will continue to suffer from inadequate support".
Jenny Jones is our candidate for London Mayor 2012. For more information on her campaign, please visit www.jennyforlondon.org