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- England’s first 24/7 support line for victims of rape and sexual abuse to provide round-the-clock help to victims
- Victims who have spoken to an expert like ISVA are 49% less likely to withdraw from the criminal justice process
- The service will help victims, encourage more action and fulfill a key government promise
- on 0808 500 2222 and via www.247sexualabusesupport.org.uk
Specialist operators – available by telephone or webchat – will be on hand at all times to provide victims with vital information and emotional support. This includes signposting local, long-term services such as Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVA).
The government-funded service will be run by Rape Crisis England and Wales who have over 3 decades of experience running helplines for rape and sexual abuse victims. It will be available to anyone aged 16 and over who has experienced any form of sexual violence and abuse at any point in their lives.
The support line has been launched just in time for the festive season when reports of sexual violence are known to be on the rise. At least 1 in 4 women and 1 in 20 men have been raped or sexually assaulted as adults.
Research shows that victims who talk to ISVA are 49% less likely to withdraw from the criminal justice process. This means that the more support a survivor receives, the more likely they are to bring their attacker to justice.
Deputy Prime Minister, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, Dominic Raab said:
Ensuring that victims of rape and sexual abuse get support whenever they need it is not only the right thing to do – it will also help us bring more criminals to justice.
When victims feel trusted and supported, they are more likely to stay the course in the criminal justice process. This vital helpline will play a key role in providing the necessary assistance to victims and bringing justice to the most vile criminals.
The support line delivers on a key pledge in the Government’s Rape Review Action Plan which seeks to increase support for victims, increase trust in the system and increase the number of cases reaching the courts.
The plan sets out clear steps for the police, prosecutors and courts – to introduce a new approach to investigations, reduce the number of victims from the process, increase the number of hearings, protect the public and deter more rapists. Bar
This work is starting to bear fruit. In 2021, the number of rape convictions increased by 67% compared to 2020, and the CPS is making charging decisions an average of 29 days faster, according to the latest data available. In September, the government also completed the rollout of pre-recorded evidence for rape victims in every crown court across the country – saving them the trauma of having to testify under the full courtroom glare.
Jane Butler, CEO of Rape Crisis England and Wales:
We are proud to have developed a 24/7 rape and sexual abuse support line, which is an important addition to the specialist support available to anyone aged 16 and over affected by sexual violence and abuse in England and Wales.
No matter when or where it happened – we’re here for you. If you contact us we will always listen and believe you, and we will never judge.
Farah Nazir, chief executive of Women’s Aid, said:
We welcome the Government’s investment in the 24/7 Support Helpline, delivered by the long-standing specialist service Rape Crisis, to provide round-the-clock support to survivors of sexual violence. We hope this will ensure survivors get the right response the first time – which we know is key to recovery after abuse. We hope this will also improve the reporting and conviction of sex crimes.
As well as providing much-needed support to survivors, it is crucial that we send a strong message to women that they will be heard, believed and supported.
Emily Hunt, the government’s independent adviser on the rape review, said:
After I was raped, I was literally begging for help and support. And there was none—at least not when I needed it. Now, sufferers in England and Wales can reach trained experts on the support line, whether it’s 2am or 2pm, whether they want to speak to someone on the phone or use web chat.
They will be heard, believed and helped. It’s the service I needed then, and I’m so happy to be involved in making sure victims now get the support I didn’t.
Today’s announcement builds on recent Government work to drive reforms to the criminal justice system. This includes quadrupling funding for victim services and bringing forward a landmark Victims Bill which seeks to ensure they are better heard, served and supported at every stage.
Meanwhile, specialist sexual violence support is being piloted in 3 Crown Courts – Leeds, Newcastle and Snaresbrook in London. It seeks to provide enhanced assistance to victims in court and help increase the throughput of cases. This work includes introducing trauma-informed training for court staff, maximizing the use of technology and access to ISVA in court.
Notes to editors
- Those under 16 who use the support line will be listened to and guided towards appropriate alternative services
- Victims and survivors in Wales can also use the Welsh Government’s live fear free helpline.
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