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New Suffolk Rape Crisis helpline

posted 25 Nov 2010 back to News

A new helpline is about to open for Suffolk women and girls who have experienced recent or historic sexual violence.

The Suffolk Rape Crisis (SRC) helpline will open on November 30th. Lines will be open every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 7.00-9.00pm. The number is 0800 0850520.

It is envisaged that there will be a high number of calls, so women are urged to try again if they cannot get through the first time they call.

Ipswich has not had a rape crisis centre since 2006.

The new Suffolk Rape Crisis Centre will be officially opened in Ipswich by Baroness Stern on November 29.

"A telephone helpline service for the women and girls of Suffolk who have experienced sexual violence is long overdue," said development worker Kate Drury.

The highly trained volunteers who will answer the calls can provide emergency support for women and girls who have been recently raped or sexually assaulted or for women who have suffered childhood sex abuse.

The centre also aims to establish face-to-face counselling services next year.

"Not all women wish to report to the police, or are ready to report to the police, so a helpline offers support for women well beyond the criminal justice system," says Ms Drury.

According to Rape Crisis figures, only 10 percent of women report rapes and sexual offences to the police. It is estimated that 1 in 10 women are raped or sexually abused in their lifetime.

The effects of sexual trauma can include mental, physical and social problems including depression, self harm, homelessness, unemployment, isolation and discrimination.

Many of the women who ring rape crisis help lines have been unable to tell anyone in their family or close friends about the trauma, said Ms Drury.

SRC can offer confidential support though its empowering model in order to give women informed choices about their future and to lead lives free of sexual violence and its effects.

It is envisaged that the helpline will be open more often as more volunteers are trained. Anyone interested in being a volunteer should email kate@suffolkrapecrisis.co.uk. There is an interview process and training to become a helpline volunteer.

For further comment or queries contact:

Kate Drury
SRC Development Worker
Mobile No: 07565769962

Linda Durrant
SRC Chair of Trustees
Mobile No: 07768230064