HAMPSHIRE'S police and crime commissioner (PCC) will be given greater powers to support more victims of rape and sexual abuse under plans announced on Tuesday, 6 November by the government.

The PCC is to be given full control to use their local knowledge to plan, prioritise and commission specialist practical and emotional services to better support victims.

Michael Lane, police and crime commissioner for Hampshire said: “I welcome this opportunity to work with the Ministry of Justice to drive forward local commissioning for sexual crime support services.

"It is vital that people receive the support they require, at the point they need it.

"Commissioning locally opens up the opportunity to work with partners to improve the co-ordination of sexual crime support services, develop and tailor services based upon the experiences of survivors and victims and ultimately better meet the often complex and specialist needs of victims of sexual crime."

More than 5,500 sexual offences were recorded by police in Hampshire last year.

Hampshire is one of five test PCCs to be given full commissioning responsibilities for sexual violence and abuse services.