A NEW rape and sexual abuse support centre was officially opened in Gwynedd last week.

On Friday, Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones joined Hywel Williams MP and Sian Gwenllian AM in Bangor to open the Rape and Sexual Assault Support Centre North Wales (RASASC NW).

The firm has also set up a specialist Children Centre based in Bangor with additional outreach centres available across North Wales.

This means that RASASC NW can offer specialist therapy free of charge to anyone from three years of age and above.

Fflur Emlyn, assistant manager at the facility, highlighted the importance of the centre to the North Wales area.

“North Wales has one of the UK’s highest number of recorded rapes over the last two years - with a major increase in historic allegations." she said.

“On average, a sex offence was reported every five hours up to September 2016, and in total there were 1,694 complaints made to the North Wales force - an increase of 38 per cent.

“We offer support to men and women who have experienced any form of sexual violence which includes, recent rape, historic rape, child sexual abuse and multiple assaults.

“Our referral rates have increased over recent years as a result of the increased publicity around rape and historic sexual abuse in the UK as a result of the Jimmy Savile Scandal."

During 2016 – 2017 RASASC NW received 432 new referrals, 373 of which were females and 59 male, this is in addition to the client base the organisation was already supporting.

Their new centre based in Parc Menai has four counselling rooms - one specially equipped with play therapy equipment for children, a training room, volunteer room and office space.

Mr Williams was full of praise for the service that staff there will provide to those who need support.

"I am sure that this new centre for all those who have been victims of sexual violence and abuse will help anyone struggling to move on from these deeply traumatic crimes." he said.

"I know, as a former mental health social worker that victims find these horrific experiences difficult to talk about, even to their closest friends and family.

"Having a confidential service from people who truly understand is essential and this new centre provides a range of support services from one to one counselling to practical support and advice."