A CENTRE providing counselling for victims of rape and sexual abuse in County Durham has received a vital cash injection.

The National Lottery Charities Board has awarded about £60,000 to the Rape and Sexual Abuse Counselling Centre.

The cash will allow an expansion of its free and confidential service for women and girls throughout County Durham who have experienced any form of sexual abuse as an adult or child.

It will also lead to the recruitment and training of new volunteers, as well as the ongoing training of existing volunteers.

Centre administrator Lynne Hinde said sexual violence was still regarded as a hidden crime, with 91 per cent of those who sought help keeping their suffering to themselves until they spoke to a counsellor.

"They are scared of not being believed and don't want to relive their experiences in interviews or if it goes to court," she said.

She said that in 80 per cent of cases the victim would know the attacker.

The lottery cash, which will fund the service for three years, will enable the Darlington-based centre to open more evenings and possibly during the day.

The Rape and Sexual Abuse Counselling lines are currently open Tuesday and Thursday evenings between 6.30pm and 9pm. The number is (01325) 369933.

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer should contact Lynne Hinde on the centre business line, (01325) 354119, which is open mornings between Monday and Friday.