A CHARITY that supports rape survivors has closed its waiting list – after a funding loss for failing to help men, it is claimed.

Glasgow and Clyde Rape Crisis (GRCC) has helped women and girls overcome the trauma of sex attacks and abuse for four decades.

READ MORE: Children in Need denies not funding rape charity for lack of male support

Specialist workers are currently aiding around 40 people, with another 40-50 on a waiting list.

Demand has been rising year on year and some of those currently awaiting face-to-face support may have to wait up to nine months.

But managers have now announced that no new cases will be taken on as a result of a funding crisis.

While phoneline services will continue, it is feared that the change will leave those at-risk of self-harm and similar behaviours even more vulnerable.

The charity, which counts author Denise Mina as patron, blamed the move on a "recent loss of funding for our work with young women and girls", stating that this had had a "significant impact" on overall service provision.

In an interview with The National, manager Isabelle Kerr said a BBC Children In Need grant had been denied on the grounds that the organisation does not work with male survivors.

The fundraiser collected £60.7 million for good causes last year, with the cash awarded to causes aid "children and young people facing a range of disadvantages" including experience of "distress, neglect or trauma".

GRCC has twice won three-year awards for its initiative focused on women and girls aged 13-18. However, this was not renewed at the last funding round, leaving a £35,000 hole in the pot.

Kerr said: "The funding officers were very positive, but the committee made the decision. They didn't feel we were doing enough for male survivors."

Kerr says the message was relayed in verbal feedback and GRCC was told it could reapply for the next round of funds.

However, she said: "If we do, it will be on the same basis.

"We have never made any apologies for the fact that we are a women-only service.

"We have always supported male family members, and we offer signposting to Rape Crisis Scotland for any men that contact us. We've never had any negative feedback."

She went on: "We have let those on the waiting list know they are still going to be seen as soon as we have got capacity.

"We are seeing many more complex cases, women with multiple abuses throughout their lives. They may be talking about childhood sexual abuse and domestic violence and partner sexual abuse.

"With younger girls, there are high levels of suicidal ideation and self-harm."

BBC Children in Need has yet to respond to a request for comment.

However, responding to the GRCC news, the White Ribbon Campaign –which challenges male attitudes and behaviours to women – said: "With nearly 2000 rapes and attempts being reported in Scotland every year and the demand on Rape Crisis Centres being greater than ever these services are essential.

"Given that more than 90% of all reported rapes are committed against women it would seem more appropriate for Children in Need to consider providing funding to services geared up for male survivors rather than withdrawing this award."