JK Rowling launches support centre for female victims of sexual violence

The board of directors of Beira's Place (from left): Susan Smith, JK Rowling, Johann Lamont, Margaret McCartney and Rhona Hotchkiss. Beira's Place in Edinburgh will support women in the Lothians aged 16 and over who have experienced sexual violence or abuse at any time in their lives. Photograph: Nicole Jones/PA

JK Rowling is funding a new support and counselling service for survivors of sexual violence in Edinburgh.

The author, who has written about her own experience as a survivor of sexual assault, is setting up the new centre, called Beira’s Place, because she believes there is an “unmet need for women” in the Lothians area.