Suffolk Rape Crisis
Suffolk Rape Crisis is run by women for women and aims to help survivors of sexual abuse to maintain control over their lives and to raise awareness of sexual abuse amongst the general public. The organisation was set up in 2010 by a group of women who realised that there was no rape provision for the women and girls of Suffolk. Another group had previously existed but it closed in 2006 and so Suffolk Rape Crisis was created to support survivors of rape and sexual abuse.
At the core of its work Suffolk Rape Crisis provides a confidential telephone support and information service. This operates on Tuesdays between 7pm and 9pm and is staffed by volunteers who have received specialist training. It is never too late for a survivor to call the service - they can contact Suffolk Rape Crisis weeks, months and even years after the assault. They also provide an outreach service as well as counselling and online support groups.
The organisation works in partnership with local service providers and communities to promote the values of sexual assault referral centres. It strongly believes in a survivor referring themselves to Rape Crisis and taking their own time in expressing their feelings as this is a means towards retaking control of their life. The volunteers listen to each individual and will not tell a caller what to do. It is an entirely non-judgemental service and none of the information provided will be repeated to anyone outside of Rape Crisis.
Over the past few years they have received a lottery grant that has enabled them to move into their own premises. Money from the government is put towards recruiting more staff and volunteers. This will enable the organisation to increase the range of services that it provides. The next step for this rapidly growing organisation is to provide face to face counselling, self-help groups and advocacy.
Created 10th April 2012. Updated 2021
Suffolk Rape Crisis benefits from Attend membership, which includes comprehensive charity insurance cover. For more information, or to join, please click here.
