AS REPORTS of sex crimes soar in Wales, a charity supporting those affected by sexual abuse and rape has marked its 20th anniversary by opening new offices in Newport.

NewPathways offers crisis support for victims of rape, as well as rooms where forensic examination can take place sensitively.

Figures released by the charity on Monday show reports of sexual abuse, made by men, women and children, have risen by around 30% in Wales over the past year.

It is now dealing with a record amount of referrals for those in need of emergency support, rising from 769 to 1007 in 12 months.

New premises in Newport High Street opened last week to deal with this increased demand.

The organisation, which provides crisis support, pre-court therapy and counselling throughout many parts of Wales, already has premises in Risca and other towns across South Wales.

Chief executive Jackie Stamp, who has volunteered for the charity since 1993, said: “The charity has grown so much over the years.

“Although this is a reflection on the sheer size of the problem we are facing, it means that many more people are accessing help to move on after rape or sexual abuse.”

“Despite the high number of people needing our help, funding for this work is quite precarious, particularly in the current economic climate.”

The charity runs Sexual Assault Referral Centres, where forensic and video evidence can be gathered instead of at a police station.

These are run in conjunction with all Welsh police forces and have been therapeutically designed for victims of rape.

Jeff Farrar, Gwent Police’s acting Chief Constable, said the charity is “instrumental”

in the establishment of the force’s specialist Onyx Unit which investigates sexual abuse.

He said: “The support provided by New Pathways has made a real difference to victims’ lives and through joint working with Gwent Police more victims are being supported and more offenders are being prosecuted.”

Anyone affected by rape and sexual abuse can phone 01685 379310 or email enquiries@newpathways.org. uk

New Pathway support helps victims step up to a new life

ONE victim, who received support from the charity after being raped by her uncle, said the charity helped her cope with the trauma.

Staff supported her through her decision to go to police, the subsequent court case and to get counselling for self harming.

She said: “On the day I was scared but my support worker from New Pathways was there with me before I went in to give evidence. I don’t think I could have gone through with it without them being there.”

“It’s been 12 months now since my last counselling session and life is not too bad, I’ve just started a new job and I feel good about myself.

“I know I will never forget what he did, but New Pathways made me realise that I can think about it differently.

I can cope, I’m a survivor not a victim.”