Guildford Charity encourages Sexual Assault survivors to seek support
A charity in Guildford has been sharing advice and support to sexual abuse and assault survivors during Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week.
The Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC) is an inclusive service that is available to anyone of any gender across Surrey who is over the age of 13. They offer helplines for those who have been raped, sexually abused of have had an unwanted sexual experience.
RASASC offer services for survivors of sexual abuse, support for their families and friends, as well as having a team of Independent Sexual Violence Advisors to talk to.
Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week encourages the conversation and challenges the myths surrounding rape, sexual abuse and sexual assault, with charities such as RASASC sharing tips and advice to help people nationwide.
Over the past year, cases in the news and an increase of television programmes raising awareness have encouraged more people to access services such as RASASC.
RASASC Communications and Engagement Manager Kate Whittaker, who has seen the increase in use of their services, said:
“We’ve certainly seen an increase in people wanting to access our services, which is great. I think it’s given validation to a lot of people.
“A lot of people might feel daunted that we will make people go to the police or make them do something that they’re not happy doing. So I think it’s really important to shine a light on the services that are there to support people and the kind of work they do.
“And just to say there is a friendly voice at the end of the phone.”
RASASC’s helpline is open 5 evenings a week from Sunday until Thursday, offering signposting, help and support.
More information about RASASC and the services they offer can be found at their website at https://www.rasasc.org/