24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line

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Who can contact us?

The 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line is a service for anyone aged 16 and over in England and Wales who has been affected by rape, child sexual abuse, sexual assault, sexual harassment, or any other form of sexual violence, at any point in their life.

We support people of all genders who have experienced sexual violence or abuse, as well as anyone supporting them. You can also use this service if you do not have leave to remain in the UK or if your immigration status is not settled.

Not sure about what happened?

If you're not sure what happened, confused about whether it 'counts', or think it happened too long ago, this service is for you as well.

If something sexual happened to you that you didn't want, or you were unable to agree or give consent – for instance, if you were unconscious, frightened or a child – that's not okay.

All forms of sexual violence, abuse and harassment can affect people deeply and in many different ways, both at the time and later on.

Please get in touch now – we will never think you are wasting our time, and will never judge you.

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As well as providing emotional support, we can offer you information and resources that might help you:

better understand what happened
work out what you would like to do next, if anything
support you through difficult times, or when you feel like you cannot cope
find longer-term support, such as counselling or another type of therapy (please be aware that waiting lists may apply)

How will the conversation go?

What we talk about will be completely up to you, and you don't have to share any details or information you're not comfortable sharing.

The conversation will be private and stay between you and the person you are talking to, except in rare cases.

It was not your fault

Whatever happened, you are not to blame. The responsibility always lies with the person who carried out the sexual violence or abuse – never with you.

You are not alone

Our specialist operators are here to listen and support you

Everyone who works on the Support Line understands that sexual violence, abuse and harassment can affect people in many different ways. They will listen to you, believe you and never judge you.

You will always be speaking to a real person – we do not use chatbots or automated services.

Remember, you can choose to speak with us anonymously. We can't see your phone number or identify you, and you don't have to give us your name or any other personal information unless you want to.

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Need medical support after rape or sexual assault?

Sexual Assault Referral Centres, or SARCs, provide specialist medical and practical support to people who have recently experienced rape or sexual assault.

You can visit a SARC whether or not you want to report it to the police. The SARC can store evidence they collect in case you do want to report in the future.

We have more information about SARCs available on the Rape Crisis website.

Find a SARC near you

Information about the Support Line is available in 24 languages

Download information about the Support Line as a PDF in the following languages.

Need an interpreter?

Anyone who calls the Support Line can request an interpreter. Please let us know when you call, and we will do our best to arrange an interpreter for you through LanguageLine.

See all languages

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Contact us now

You can either call 0808 500 2222 or start an online chat.

Both options are free and confidential.

You can talk to us for up to 40 minutes.

You can talk to us for up to 45 minutes.