The Cook Government will put around $3.7 million into the State’s regional sexual assault support services in next week’s State budget.

All of $3 million will go towards support services outside of Perth, allowing them to increase staffing and boost services to meet local demand.

The funding will be split between service providers in Bunbury, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Mandurah and South Hedland.

A further $700,000 will go towards the Sexual Assault Resource Centre.

The centre operates Statewide and provides 24/7 medical and forensic service to people who have experienced a recent sexual assault as well as offering counselling for sexual assault or abuse for those over 13.

The funding boost will increase the centre’s counselling workforce.

Nearly one in four women and one in 16 men over the age of 15 have experienced sexual violence, according to the State Government.

Health Minister Meredith Hammat said the funding would help vital services for regional communities.

“The regional Sexual Assault Support Services, as well as the Sexual Assault Resource Centre, are doing an incredible job supporting people who have experienced sexual assault through timely, appropriate and specialised counselling,” she said.

“These are vital services in our community that support victim-survivors of sexual violence in their time of need.

“This funding boost will allow employment of more staff and provide regional services with increased capacity to meet local demand.”

Sexual Assault Resource Centre 1800 199 888