Rape survivors at greater risk of suicide and self-harm because of lack of funding, charity warns

125 women are currently on a waiting list to recive face-to-face help from the charity

The anonymous help line is available to women and girls aged 13 and over who have experienced any form of sexual violence (Rex)

An increasing number of rape survivors could be at risk of self-harm and suicide because organisations that help them are not getting the financial backing they need, a charity has warned.

North London Rape Crisis says it has had to open a counselling helpline to deal with the increasing number of women who need support because its waiting list for face-to-face services is growing too long.

Currently, the charity warns, 125 women would probably have to wait for between four and six months to receive any form of counselling.

Emily Robertson, the NLRC service manager, said that without the service, rape victims are likely to experience problems such as thoughts of suicide and self-harm, and symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Ms Robertson said: “The majority of the women we work with use negative coping strategies such as self-harming behaviours and in one study into our assessment data over 78% had suicidal thoughts.

“We deal with suicidal clients on a weekly basis and provide many supportive interventions which save lives.”

Ms Robertson added that many of the women NLRC work with experience symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, for which the charity offers support.

As the number of rape and sexual abuse cases reported in London soars, rising by nearly 30 per cent this year, according to the Metropolitan Police data, many crisis centres are coming under increased pressure to meet with growing demand.

Like many other rape crisis centres across the UK, however, NLRC will have no secure funding from the Government after March 2016, meaning it could face closure.

Ms Robertson explains that “with insecure and stretched funding, we struggle to meet the needs of all those seeking support in dealing with the devastating impacts of rape and sexual abuse.

“The new helpline is a vital service offering in-depth emotional support that really could be the difference between life and death.”

One survivor said: "I don’t think counselling over the phone will or should ever replace proper face-to-face therapy, but it’s better than nothing at all.

"I waited for six months to be able to see someone. It’s amazing how much quicker I was able to come to terms with being raped once I was finally able to speak to someone who understood how I felt and could help me make sense of the difficult time I was going through.

"It is no exaggeration to say that without that help, I would be dead, and I know I’m one of the stronger ones. It worries me that without proper, adequate funding and care to cope with the increase in demand for these crucial services, the death toll for victims of sexual assault will rise.”

The anonymous helpline is available to women and girls aged 13 and over who have experienced any form of sexual violence, including child sexual abuse, rape, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, prostitution and female genital mutilation.

Women may contact the service irrespective of what point in their lives they experienced the sexual violence, whether they are already receiving support or if they want to report a crime or not.

If you are worried about rape you can contact the New Freephone North London Rape Crisis helpline on 0808 801 0305.