Worcester will be one of the first areas in the country to benefit from a new NHS programme supporting victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence.
The Steps to Safety programme offers specialist help through GP practices and other health services.
It is part of a government strategy that recognises violence against women and girls (VAWG) as a public health emergency, aiming to improve identification and support for those affected.
Tom Collins, Labour MP for Worcester, said: “I’ve been convening our regional public organisations to improve support for survivors of sexual violence.
“I recently hosted a workshop to develop new ways of working that are built around people, not processes.”
The Government has pledged up to £49.4 million over three years for the programme, with an additional £5 million per year to broaden access to specialist services.
This investment aims to improve collaboration between health services and specialist organisations, making it easier for victims to receive the help they need.
Mr Collins said: “Supporting survivors isn’t just important to help them recover and rebuild, but also to secure convictions and keep everyone safe.
“This funding is incredible news – it means we can build support that really works and that could transform lives.
“I’m determined to see it make a real, tangible difference here in Worcester.”
Bronwen McCarthy from rape and sexual abuse support centre WMRSASC welcomed the funding.
She said: “We are delighted that this funding has been allocated to our area.
“We are already offering specialist services and working closely with local NHS partners to meet the needs of survivors of abuse, but the demand is always higher than our funding can meet and there are long waiting lists and limits to what we can provide.
“We will look forward to conversations with the NHS services to ensure that people who need our services have a quicker and smoother pathway into the support they need.”
