An advice and support service for rape victims and women who have encountered sexual violence is being wound up as more than half its staff are quitting as part of a cost-cutting drive.

Glasgow-based Breakthrough for Women is closing because four of its seven members of staff are taking an early retirement package offered by the city council in an effort to drastically reduce costs.

The move is already sending shockwaves through other agencies involved in assisting victims of gender-based violence, with fears they could be pushed to breaking point due to increased caseloads. Its demise is also worrying unions, who fear the decision to close the service has been made because of staff numbers and not for strategic reasons, sparking concern that this could happen to other key services.

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To read more, see the full article. (Herald Scotland. 02 August 2010)