Comprehensive Support Initiatives Launched for Victims and Survivors of Rape and Sexual Abuse

Government Funding to Enhance Support for Survivors

Victims and survivors of rape and sexual abuse will benefit from round-the-clock support through a free, trauma-informed, and confidential helpline, following a significant new funding announcement from the Government. The Ministry of Justice has allocated £8.7 million to Rape Crisis England & Wales to ensure the continuation of their essential Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line.

This helpline, which is available to all victims and survivors aged 16 and above, provides confidential emotional support and a listening ear for those affected by rape and sexual abuse. Since its inception in 2022, it has already facilitated over 200,000 calls and 75,000 webchats, demonstrating its crucial role in the community.

The funding is part of the Government’s broader commitment to combat violence against women and girls, aiming to halve such incidents and expedite justice for victims. Minister for Victims and Violence Against Women and Girls, Alex Davies-Jones, emphasised the importance of this support, 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.”

Commitment to Listen and Support

Davies-Jones reassured those affected by these crimes that the Rape Crisis helpline team is always available to provide assistance, affirming their dedication to listening and believing survivors. “We’re honoured to be able to continue to support their invaluable work,” she added, expressing gratitude towards the team’s commitment to helping survivors.

Ciara Bergman, CEO of Rape Crisis England & Wales, also welcomed the funding, stating, “I’m delighted that Rape Crisis England & Wales will continue to provide the national 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line.” She highlighted the success of the service and the high-quality support it has already provided to thousands of survivors across England and Wales.

Bergman noted the dedication and expertise of the Rape Crisis movement and praised the efforts of partners, support line staff, and volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure that whenever someone reaches out, they are met with understanding and support.

Expanding Services and Support

The helpline’s specialists are equipped to guide victims and survivors towards long-term support services, regardless of whether they have disclosed the crime to anyone else. The new funding will enable Rape Crisis to expand its offerings, including the introduction of British Sign Language interpretation and tailored support for survivors with specific needs.

In conjunction with this funding, the Prime Minister and Lord Chancellor have announced that certain serious offences, including rape and specific child sexual offences, will be exempt from upcoming changes to prison sentences. This decision aims to protect the public from the most dangerous criminals, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to safeguarding communities.

The initiative will see rape and certain child sexual offences added to the exclusions already in place for 18,000 offenders who have been classified by the courts as particularly dangerous or who are serving life sentences.

Significant Investment in Support Services

Furthermore, the Government is making a substantial investment of over £500 million into essential support services designed to assist victims and witnesses throughout the justice process. This funding will amount to £550 million over the next three years, aimed at enhancing specialist services that provide both practical and emotional support, such as counselling and guidance for individuals attending court.

The Rape Crisis England & Wales’s 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line is available for anyone aged 16 and over in England and Wales who has been affected by rape, child sexual abuse, sexual assault, sexual harassment, or any other form of sexual violence at any point in their life. The service can be reached at any time, day or night, throughout the year, by calling 0808 500 2222. The new grant funding is set to run from 1 October 2026 until 30 September 2029.