A new scheme has been launched to reach out to college and university students who have been sexually abused.

Stepping Stones North Wales say survivors often do not feel able to seek help because they feel “guilt and shame” even though they were completely blameless.

Director of services, Berni Durham-Jones, said the scheme has received calls from people in their 70s and 80s who were abused when they were children.

Stepping Stones North Wales, founded in 1984, provides support to adults from across the region who have been victims of sexual abuse when they were children, and their work has received a boost by North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner, Andy Dunbobbin, who is giving them an extra £154,000.

The money is part of a £1.3 million package of funding secured by him to be shared among a number of North Wales organisations.

Other recipients include Domestic Abuse Safety Unit North Wales, the Sexual Abuse Recovery Centre (SARC), the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC) North Wales and Gorwel.

Stepping Stones North Wales will use the cash to recruit two more independent sexual violence advisors and, as a result, will launch two new projects including one to provide a counselling service for college and university students aged 16 or over across North Wales.

The other is being organised in conjunction with RASASC and will provide additional practical support for survivors, including those who want to report the abuse to the police.

Mrs Durham-Jones said: “We are incredibly grateful to Andy Dunbobbin who we know is passionate about tackling abuse in all its forms. The fact that he is standing shoulder to shoulder with us sends out a really powerful message.”

Mr Dunbobbin said: “Sexual abuse is a serious crime that has long-lasting consequences for victims, and this is why tackling this scourge is one of my highest priorities.

“I am pleased to be able to support the vital work being done by Stepping Stones North Wales and the other organisations that are working with survivors of abuse to help them achieve a better future for themselves and their families.”

Anybody in North Wales who needs support can ring Stepping Stones North Wales on 01978 352717 or visit the website at www.steppingstonesnorthwales.co.uk