WOMEN who have suffered a serious sexual assault are being failed by a serious lack of support services, according to a counselling officer.

The lack of resources was highlighted when a 28-year-old woman was raped near Ealing Hospital in the early hours of November 14.

Three men were arrested in connection with the allegation but the incident follows the release of figures which show that Ealing recorded 33 sexual offences in October, the 11th highest number in London and just over one per day.

But victims have to travel to the Women's Counselling Service in Hounslow for free, specialist face-to-face counselling after experiencing abuse.

Development officer, Carrie Cameron, said: "There is a Women's Aid refuge in Ealing for women and girls experiencing violent or sexual abuse to escape to but no therapy or healing facilities.

"These are important because rape can affect a victim straight away or years later and can be powerful enough to stop a woman living her life.

"The main reason there are no pro-active resources for abused women in Ealing is simply that it is not a provision requirement by law in the same way that child abuse services are."

The Women's Counselling Service can be contacted on 8577 3226 during office hours. A helpline is available from 6.30pm to 9pm, on Monday, on 8572 0100.

Ealing Council was unable to respond to inquiries.