New services to help rape victims in Orkney and Shetland will be set up as part of a £1.85m support package from the Scottish Government.
It comes as recorded crime figures showed the number of sex crimes in Scotland increased by 11% last year, partly linked to a rise in reporting of historic offences.
The Government said the cash boost almost doubles the funding for Scotland’s 14 rape crisis centres between 2016 and 2018.
The funding for Rape Crisis Scotland will also be used to support additional projects, including the development of specialist services in Orkney and Shetland.
The rest of the money will go towards advocacy and support workers to help people going through the criminal justice process, and work with young people on issues of consent and healthy sexual relationships.
The money is coming from a £20 million pot announced by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in March to tackle all forms of violence against women.
Rape Crisis Scotland national co-ordinator Sandy Brindley said the organisation is “delighted” to receive the “significant additional funding”.
Sandra Paton, the manager of Women’s Aid Orkney, also welcomed the investment.
