[This blog post contains discussions of sexual violence and abuse. Please take care when reading and know you can reach out for support if you are impacted by anything you read.]
Rape Crisis England & Wales is the feminist charity working to end sexual violence and abuse.
Together with our 39 member Rape Crisis centres, we work to deliver specialist services to those affected by sexual violence and abuse, and aim to educate, influence and make change.
But what do we mean when we say ‘sexual violence’?
‘Sexual violence’ is a term we use to describe any sexual activity or act that happened without consent. There are lots of different types of sexual violence, including rape, sexual assault, sexual abuse and sexual harassment.
We know that sometimes the scale of sexual violence and abuse can feel overwhelming. We see it every day on the news and on social media, hear it in conversations or witness it on the street. It can feel inescapable. And this can have an impact on our well-being. If you’re a victim or survivor, or you know someone who is, the constant reminders can be difficult to deal with.
This is just a reminder that you are not alone. Support is available.
We wanted to let you know that it is always okay to reach out and ask for help if you need it. If you’re struggling with something that happened recently or a long time ago, or are wondering how to support someone in your life who’s having a hard time, we are here for you.
Here are some of the ways you can access support:
The 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line
Our Support Line is a free phone and online chat service for anyone aged 16+ in England and Wales who has been affected by any kind of sexual violence, abuse or harassment – no matter when or where it happened. This includes people who have experienced sexual violence or abuse themselves, as well as their friends, family or anyone else who is trying to support them.
Our trained team of specialists are here to listen to you, believe you and answer any questions that you might have.
We will never think you're wasting our time and we will never judge you.
VISIT THE 24/7 RAPE AND SEXUAL ABUSE SUPPORT LINE
Contacting your local Rape Crisis centre
Our 39 member Rape Crisis centres provide free, specialist support and services to local women and girls who have experienced rape, child sexual abuse, sexual assault, sexual harassment or any other form of sexual violence. Some centres also provide support to local men and boys.
Services include counselling, group work, independent advocacy (for people who want to, or are thinking about, reporting to the police), helplines, emotional support and more.
You can find details of your local Rape Crisis centre and the services they offer on our website.
FIND YOUR LOCAL RAPE CRISIS CENTRE
Visit the Rape Crisis England & Wales website
You might not feel ready to talk to anyone just yet and that’s perfectly okay. On our website you’ll be able to find plenty of information about your options, as well as self-help tools you can use in your own time.
We often hear from victims and survivors that they feel as if what happened to them ‘wasn’t that bad’ or that they’re worried it’s been too long since it happened. We just want you to know that there is no time limit for getting help and no sliding scale of sexual violence.
Whatever happened, you deserve support.
For those looking to support the work we do, Here We Flo is donating £1 from every pack of period, bladder or sexual wellness care sold on the website on the 25th of November (Ending Violence Against Women & Girls Day). Sign up to their mailing list at the bottom of this page to receive a reminder!
With love and solidarity,
Rape Crisis England & Wales
