A CHARITY working with victims of rape and sexual exploitation has received a major funding boost.

Dorset Rape Crisis Support Centre, whose work was highlighted recently through its work with the makers of the west Dorset-set crime drama Broadchurch, has received a whopping £89,746 from BBC Children in Need.

The grant is specifically for its work across Dorset with children and young people between four and 17 years old who have been victims of rape, sexual abuse and exploitation. In the next three years, funding will enable a children and young person’s independent sexual violence advisor to provide support and 'help younger clients recognise that they are not to blame, and not alone'.

The advisor meets one to one with each child to understand their experience and, where appropriate, encourages them to discuss their feelings with parents or carers in order to help relieve the burden of their trauma. This also helps families understand changes in their child’s attitude or behaviours, leading to better communication and a stronger support network around them.

In addition, the advisor helps young people access specialist services, re-engage with education in order to establish a sense of normalcy and sees them through court proceedings, helping them navigate the system and cope with difficult questioning.

Helen Stevens, Service Manager at the Dorset Rape Crisis Support Centre said: “We are so grateful to receive this funding from BBC Children in Need, as it will really go far in supporting our work with some of the most vulnerable children and young people in Dorset.

"Children who have been victims of sexual violence can go on to experience a number of issues, including self-harm, anxiety, low self-esteem and depression. It is also not unusual to see deterioration in their physical welfare.

"With their emotional and mental health affected and their lack of trust in people they can struggle to engage in day to day activities, which leads them to becoming isolated and makes them vulnerable to further abuse. This funding helps us dedicate resources to tackle a range of issues, which can put children on a path to healing and replace feelings of negativity with hope.”

The third and final series of Broadchurch follows the story of an investigation into a serious sexual assault.

The support centre was among the agencies that worked worked closely with the show to ensure a realistic account of an investigation into a serious sexual assault and representation of the support provided to victims.

Helen Stevens, hopes the series will help give victims more confidence to seek support.

For more details about the services Dorset Rape Crisis Support Centre offers children and young people contact Helen Stevens, on 01202 308840.