The helpline will assist victims over the age of 16 (Picture: PA)
A 24-hour helpline for rape victims has been launched across England and Wales.
Specialists will be on hand by phone or online to offer support to victims of sexual violence in a first-of-its-kind project.
The helpline is funded by the government and has been set up in time before Christmas, a period when reports of attacks increase.
It can be used by anyone over the age of 16 who has experienced sexual violence and abuse at any point in their life, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) said.
It is hoped the service will help lift conviction rates. According to the charity Rape Crisis, just one in 100 reports reach the stage of a suspect being charged.
At least one in four women and one in 20 men have been raped or sexually assaulted as an adult, according to the organisation.
Justice secretary Dominic Raab said: ‘Making sure that victims of rape and sexual abuse have support whenever they need it is not only the right thing to do – it will also help us to bring more perpetrators to justice.
‘When victims feel believed and supported, they are much more likely to stay the course in the criminal justice process.
Justice secretary Dominic Raab has praised the initiative (Picture: Shutterstock)
‘This vital helpline will have a major role to play in providing the support victims need, and in bringing more vile criminals to justice.’
Labour shadow justice secretary Steve Reed said the 18-month wait since the government promised a 24-hour helpline in its sexual violence review had done ‘nothing to prevent sexual violence or ensure victims get justice’.
He added: ‘Labour will put more police on our streets, open specialist rape courts and create a new domestic-abuse register.’
Rape Crisis England and Wales chief executive Jayne Butler said: ‘No matter when or where it happened, we are here for you.
‘If you contact us, we will always listen to you and believe you – and we will never judge.’
To contact the helpline, dial 0808 500 2222 or visit http://www.247sexualabusesupport.org.uk.
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It means specialists will be on hand at any time by phone or online to offer support.
