For nearly 40 years we have supported women and girls across South London, to take back their lives and develop trust in themselves
Our History
Established in 1985, and originally set up as part of a Women’s Aid project, we became an independent organisation called the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre. We have a long history of providing the only national women’s helpline for survivors of rape and sexual violence, having run a service on behalf of Rape Crisis England and Wales.
Our Mission
As a registered charity and a member of Rape Crisis (England and Wales) we run the national Rape Crisis Helpline, and provide specialised counselling, support and independent advocacy for women who have experienced sexual violence both recently and/or in the past. Our helpline also provides information, referrals and short term support to family, friends and partners of survivors.
Independent from the government and the police, we run a woman-only service, both for women accessing support and members of staff. This is in response to the needs of survivors and the disproportionate nature of sexual violence as committed by men against women and girls. For this reason we believe sexual violence to be both a cause and a consequence of gender inequality and are committed to a feminist, empowering model of working.
Our Services
Our services for female survivors of sexual violence cover 12 South London Boroughs of Bexley, Bromley, Croydon, Greenwich, Kingston Upon Thames, Lambeth, Lewisham, Merton, Richmond Upon Thames, Southwark, Sutton and Wandsworth.
Programmes and support is available in our main Croydon centre or through satellite locations:
- Bexley
- Croydon (female only centre)
- Greenwich
- Kingston Upon Thames
- Lambeth
- Southwark
- Wandsworth
We are also committed to anti-racism and anti-oppression and in 2021 we became signatories to the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Anti Racist Charter
Survivor Voices
We are committed to ensuring the voices of survivors are heard at the highest levels and have an active Survivor Advisory Council, which supports and informs our work.
Commitment to Collaboration
We participate in a number of membership organisations, working groups and committees including: Rape Crisis (England and Wales). End Violence Against Women Coalition. Women’s Resource Centre. Helplines Partnership. British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy. NCVO. RAINS. First Person Plural
Awards
- GSK Impact Award 2020
- Helpline Worker of the Year 2001, 2010 & 2020
- Commendation Award from the Sustainable City Awards 2011
- Investing in Volunteers 2005