A significant monetary gift has been bestowed upon a charitable organisation in Colchester that assists individuals impacted by various types of sexual violence.
The Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse (CARA) has been granted £20,000 to finance counselling and play therapy services for over 50 children and adolescents throughout the county.
For almost thirty years, CARA, initially established as Colchester Rape Crisis Line, has assisted individuals who have experienced sexual abuse. This assistance includes therapy and practical support for victims.
The money came from the Essex Violence and Vulnerability Unit (VVU) as part of its Community Grant Scheme (VVUCGS), annually supporting community resources for young people.
Helen Parr, chief executive officer of CARA, said: “The Essex Violence and Vulnerability Unit grant was a significant factor in helping young people envision a better life for themselves.
“Thanks to the VVU grant, we were able to provide more counselling to victims of sexual violence and to help support children and their families to process and understand what has happened.
“We see dramatic differences in the young people; they become more confident, report feeling more able to take back power and control and let go of feelings of shame and self-blame – recognising that what happened to them wasn’t their fault.”
CARA provides targeted assistance to individuals who have experienced sexual violence and child sexual abuse in many locations around Essex, including Braintree, Clacton, Harwich, Chelmsford, and Great Dunmow.
CARA’s Colchester location includes a specifically designated area only for women and provides a referral process exclusively for women.
Roger Hirst, the head of the Violence and Vulnerability Partnership and the Police Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, expressed gratitude to CARA for helping young individuals across the county.
Mr Hirst said: “We must never underestimate the fantastic work being delivered by local organisations in communities across the county.
Impact – Roger Hirst has acknowledged the importance of CARA’s work in Essex.
“The projects, embedded in their local area, understand the needs of the young people they are working with and can provide the support needed to address risk factors such as violence, lack of engagement in education, isolation and poor mental health.
“So many young people have been helped thanks to the 23/24 VVUCGS, and I encourage organisations to apply for next year’s grant and continue this great work.”
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to Sussex Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.