Support for sexual abuse survivors increased

Victims-survivors of rape and sexual abuse will benefit from a new £8.7 million government fund aimed at enhancing support services. The investment, awarded to Rape Crisis England & Wales, will ensure continued access to a 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line, which has already provided invaluable assistance since its launch in 2022.

The helpline offers free, trauma-informed, and confidential emotional support to all individuals aged 16 and over who are survivors of sexual violence. With over 200,000 calls and 75,000 webchats handled so far, the service demonstrates the increasing need for accessible support in the wake of such devastating experiences.

Minister for Victims and Violence Against Women and Girls Alex Davies-Jones expressed the urgency of the situation, stating, “I’ve heard far too many devastating stories from traumatised survivors of rape and sexual assault who felt lost or unsure where to turn for support.” She continued, “I want to say to everyone affected by one of these horrendous crimes, the Rape Crisis helpline team is always there – to listen to you, believe you and answer your questions.”

Ciara Bergman, CEO of Rape Crisis England & Wales, said: “I’m delighted that Rape Crisis England & Wales will continue to provide the national 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line, delivering confidential, free and specialist support for thousands of survivors throughout England and Wales.” She added that the commitment of the service’s staff and volunteers is crucial, emphasizing, “Our partners, support line staff and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that whenever the time is right, no matter who they are or when it happened, someone will be there to listen, believe and support them."

The funding will not only sustain existing services but also expand them. Plans include introducing British Sign Language Interpretation and enhancing support for diverse survivor needs. This aligns with the government's broader commitment to addressing violence against women and girls, as well as ensuring a more effective justice process for victims.

Furthermore, additional measures have been put in place to safeguard public safety. The Prime Minister and Lord Chancellor announced that specific serious crimes, including rape and child sexual offences, will be exempt from recent changes to prison sentence policies. This decision is aimed at enhancing protection for victims and holding dangerous offenders accountable.

The government is also investing significantly—over £550 million—into support services for victims and witnesses throughout the justice system in the next three years. This funding is intended to enhance support options, including counselling and court attendance advice, ensuring that victims receive the comprehensive help they need during and after the legal process. Overall, this initiative represents a critical step towards fostering a safer environment and supporting survivors of sexual violence effectively.