The government has announced that it is directing £8.7m from a £550m pot for victim and witness support services towards a 24/7 helpline for rape and sexual abuse victims.
The charity’s Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line, which opened in 2022, has handled more than 200,000 calls and 75,000 webchats. This latest cash, which will run for three years from 1 October, will enable the charity to introduce British Sign Language interpretation and providing dedicated support for survivors with different needs.
The ministry said the cash 'reflects the government's commitment to tackle these horrendous crimes and support victims'.
Victims minister Alex Davies-Jones said: ‘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.
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'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. We’re honoured to be able to continue to support their invaluable work and I’d like to thank everyone in the team for their dedication to supporting survivors.’
As outrage continues over the government’s plans to release thousands of prisoners early, the Ministry of Justice pointed out in today’s announcement about Rape Crisis’s funding that the prime minister and lord chancellor have barred rape, certain child sex and other grooming offences from the early release scheme.
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