Victims of rape and sexual abuse are being encouraged to
seek vital support through a new Government campaign.
Over one million adults a year experience sexual violence, yet
many are not aware of the free help available through the 24/7
Rape and Sexual Abuse Support line.
A dedicated awareness campaign, launching today, is designed to
reach the survivors still suffering in silence. This contributes
to the Government's Safer Streets Mission to halve violence
against women and girls over the next 10 years. The campaign
launch coincides with Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness
Week.
Funded by the Ministry of Justice and delivered by Rape Crisis
England & Wales, the line handled over 100,000 calls and
webchats in its second year, providing victims aged 16 and over
with a free, confidential, emotional support and listening
service.
Minister of State for Courts and Legal Services, , said:
“Talking about sexual assault isn't easy, but no one should
suffer in silence.
“Sexual violence – in all forms - is a traumatic crime. It takes
courage to seek help, and the 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support
Line is there to support people with that essential first
step.
“If you're in need of help today, please get in touch to get the
support you deserve.”
The Support Line is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to all
survivors. It is accessible through phone and webchat, with
additional online resources to help friends and family who are
supporting survivors to rebuild their lives.
The Government is determined to reach more victims of sexual
violence and encourage them to reach out for support, regardless
of gender or background.
Ciara Bergman, CEO, Rape Crisis England & Wales,
said:
"The 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line provides free and
specialist support to anyone aged 16+ in England and Wales who
has experienced something sexual that they didn't want, didn't
consent to or are feeling confused about – no matter when or
where it happened.
“We're delighted to support the Ministry of Justice's campaign to
raise awareness of the Support Line, ensuring more survivors have
access to this vital service."
ENDS
Further Information
- The 24/7 Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line campaign looks
to raise awareness of the support available to victims of sexual
violence and encourage them to reach out for support. The
campaign wants victims to understand that, no matter what
happened: you deserve support, it wasn't your fault, we'll listen
to you, and we'll believe you. The campaign directs victims to
call 0808 500 2222 or visit 247sexualabusesupport.org.uk to
chat online or find out more. If you want to support the
campaign, or gain access to campaign materials, please email
247Campaign@justice.gov.uk.
- This builds on the work of the Government to tackle
perpetrators and address the root causes of abuse and violence.
Ministers have already announced the launch of the Domestic Abuse
Protection Orders pilot, outlined plans to introduce independent
legal advisers for adult rape victims, and set out a new drive to
inform all victims of crime of their rights via the Victims'
Code.
- The Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) provides the
best measure of victimisation and estimated that 2.3% of adults
(3.3% women and 1.2% men) aged 16 years and over were victims of
sexual assault (including attempts) in the year ending March 2022
survey; this equates to an estimated 1.1 million adults (798,000
women and 275,000 men).
- Data provided by Rape Crisis England and Wales covers calls
and webchats in the year December 2023 – December 2024.
