The Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner spoke at the opening last Friday of a new specialist centre set-up to aid victims of rape and sexual abuse.

It was the official opening of Trust House Lancashire based at a location in Preston that cannot be revealed.

The Trust House provides a helpline and professionally qualified counsellors. The aim is to make sure victims have access to the right help and support across the county.

Commissioner Clive Grunshaw wants to ensure Lancashire’s most vulnerable residents receive the support and advice they need to rebuild their lives.

Mr Grunshaw said: “I would like to congratulate The Survivors’ Trust for the work they have done to develop this excellent facility, which I am sure will have extensive benefits for victims across Lancashire.”

Trust House Lancashire has been set up by The Survivors Trust to provide services for both adults and children.

Mr Grunshaw continued: “Offering specialist services to victims is vital, and I know the help and support which will be offered by Trust House is much-needed here in Lancashire.

“The Government’s decision to commission a specialist centre in Lancashire is to be welcomed, and this centre will fill a pan-Lancashire gap in provision for specialist sexual violence counselling, helpline, support and advocacy for victims.

“Crucially, it will help both adults and children.”

The centre will receive £360,000 in Ministry of Justice funding through to 2016 to help it deliver its vital services.