Victims and survivors of rape and sexual abuse across England and Wales will continue to have access to free, confidential support around the clock following a significant funding commitment from the Government.

The Ministry of Justice has announced that Rape Crisis England & Wales has been awarded £8.7 million to continue operating its 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line. The funding will help ensure that survivors can access specialist, trauma-informed support when they need it, regardless of when the abuse took place or whether it has been reported to the police.

Vital support for survivors

The national helpline, which launched in 2022, offers confidential emotional support and information to anyone aged 16 and over who has experienced rape, sexual assault, child sexual abuse, sexual harassment, or any other form of sexual violence.

Since its introduction, the service has responded to more than 200,000 telephone calls and 75,000 webchats, highlighting the significant demand for accessible specialist support.

Survivors contacting the helpline can speak with trained specialists who provide a safe and supportive space to discuss their experiences, explore available options, and access information about longer-term services in their local area.

Improving access to specialist services

As part of the new funding arrangement, Rape Crisis England & Wales plans to further develop the service to make it more accessible to survivors with different needs. Planned improvements include the introduction of British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation and enhanced support options for people who may face barriers when seeking help.

The new grant funding will run from 1 October 2026 until 30 September 2029.

Government focus on supporting victims

The funding announcement forms part of the Government's wider commitment to tackling violence against women and girls and improving support for victims navigating the criminal justice system.

Alongside investment in support services, the Government has also confirmed that those convicted of rape, certain child sexual offences and grooming offences will be excluded from planned changes to prison sentence arrangements.

In addition, more than £550 million is being invested over the next three years in victim and witness support services. This funding is intended to provide practical and emotional assistance such as counselling, advocacy services, and support for individuals attending court proceedings.

Accessing support

The 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line is available to anyone aged 16 or over in England and Wales who has been affected by sexual violence at any point in their life.

The service is free, confidential and available day or night throughout the year on 0808 500 2222.

How Switalskis can help

At Switalskis, we understand the lifelong impact that rape, sexual abuse and sexual violence can have on survivors and their families. Access to specialist support services can play a vital role in recovery, while legal advice can help survivors understand their rights and explore the options available to them.

If you have experienced sexual abuse and would like confidential legal advice, our specialist abuse claims team is here to listen and support you. To discuss your experience in confidence, you can speak to our specialist abuse team.   Call 0808 258 8041   or email help@switalskis.com.