Demand for support for sexual abuse survivors in Coventry increases by 58 per cent - The Coventry Observer

Demand for support for sexual abuse survivors in Coventry increases by 58 per cent

Coventry Editorial 9th Nov, 2021   0

A NEW REPORT shows the demand for specialist support victims and survivors of sexual violence has increased in Coventry by 58 per cent in the last 12 months.

It has led to a rise in referrals to the Coventry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (CRASAC) which now has more than 400 people on its waiting list for help and support.

CRASAC provides specialist advocacy, emotional support and counselling services for anyone affected by sexual violence in Coventry and the surrounding areas but those on the list may have to wait a year or more.

The increase in Coventry is higher than the national average which is 40 per cent since 2019 and nationally there are 10,000 people on waiting lists for help.




The Rape Crisis England and Wales report ‘Holding It Together’ details the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on services such as CRASAC and sets out recommendations to improve support for victims and survivors of rape and sexual assault.

It highlights the enormous pressures on Rape Crisis centres and the need for sustainable funding so they can continue their highly specialist work to meet the growing numbers of survivors.


Natalie Thompson, CEO of CRASAC, said: “We welcome this report which demonstrates the resilience and adaptability of organisations such as ours to ensure victims and survivors are able to access our services and get the quality of support they deserve.

“However, it is crucial we get the funding we need to meet the increasing demand for our services.

“This not only includes counselling and specialist helpline services, but also our crisis and advocacy service which provides support to victims navigating the criminal justice system – something hugely important given that statistics show that rape prosecutions have fallen to an all-time low.”

Visit crasac.org.uk for more information on the the Coventry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre.

Click here to read the full Rape Crisis England and Wales Report.

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