LEYTON and Wanstead MP Harry Cohen has given his backing to organisations supporting the victims of sexual abuse.

Mr Cohen recently attended a parliamentary meeting with representatives from a variety of local and national groups who offer help and support to the victims of sexual abuse.

These included Supportline of Ilford which offers a telephone helpline giving confidential emotional support to children, young people and adults. Also present was Redbridge's Mental Health Support and Information Line.

The Labour MP has long campaigned on the issue of sexual abuse and was instrumental in getting male rape recognised as a statutory offence as well as being involved in sponsoring a male rape survivors group.

He said: "These people make a huge effort to do an essential job remarkably well, often without decent funding. The services offered by these, often voluntary groups must not be left to fall apart."

Mr Cohen pledged to write to London Mayor Ken Livingstone to tell him that the funding for such groups needed a higher priority and that there should be more government support for their work.