RAPE CRISIS CENTRES

That this House notes that the Mayor of London pledged in his 2008 manifesto to set up four new rape crisis centres in addition to the existing centre in Croydon at a total cost of £2.23 million, or £744,000 per year, for the following three years; is concerned at the rising levels of gang rape in London, with boroughs such as Croydon, Newham and Hackney having some of the highest recorded incidences; further notes that the age of gang rape victims is decreasing and that there is a link between gang rapes and youth violence; is concerned that in reality there may be many more victims than is recorded due to the number of victims who do not report this crime; recognises that victims of gang rape are in need of specialist support and advice; and calls on the Mayor of London to fulfil his 2008 manifesto pledge by reserving £2.23 million over three years for the maintenance of the Croydon Rape Crisis Centre and to establish four more such centres in problem areas such as those London boroughs noted above.