Issued by: Ministry of Justice

Victims of rape and sexual abuse are being encouraged to seek vital support through a new Government campaign.

• New campaign to raise awareness of 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line

• Service provides free support to all victims and their families

• Campaign key to delivery of Government’s Plan for Change to create safer streets

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, Sarah Sackman, 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."

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.

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