Kirklees, Calderdale & Wakefield Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASAC) have been providing survivors of rape and sexual violence with support since 1989.
The organisation offers therapeutic and advisory services for individuals regardless of their sex and gender identity who have experienced sexual violence and or abuse at any point in their lives.
RASAC’s teams offer care and compassion to everyone who seeks their help, providing guidance when needed.
Among their services is a confidential and anonymous advisory helpline, staffed by specially trained volunteers who offer emotional support and information through telephone, webchat, and email.
This helpline operates Monday through Friday and can be reached at 0300 303 4787 or by emailing helpline@rasac.co.uk, messages will be responded to during their opening hours.
Therapeutic support at RASAC includes specialist counselling, women’s and men’s group therapy sessions, and pre-trial therapy to help survivors develop coping strategies and emotional resilience before their court dates. For those who prefer holistic approaches, trauma-informed services like reiki, yoga, and art therapy are also available.
Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs), including specialist Family ISVAs to support the loved ones of survivors, Children and Young Persons ISVAs (CHISVAs), and advisors for minority groups help individuals understand their options, liaise with the police if they choose to report the incident, and provide practical advice on navigating the legal and criminal justice process.
ISVAs are dedicated to empowering survivors to make informed decisions, with no pressure to report abuse unless they wish to.
To make a referral, please visit: https://www.rasac.co.uk/how-to-refer/
In July 2024, Therapeutic Team and Service Development Manager, Heather Conboy published the Amplifying Survivor Voices research project report.
The report explores the experiences and perspectives of adult survivors in West Yorkshire who are living with complex trauma-related mental health needs to highlight areas which need improvement across support services.
Key findings suggest that improvement is needed across these four areas:
- A need for trauma-informed specialist mental health support such as therapies, support workers and peer support networks which are easy to access.
- Increased collaboration across all sectors involved in supporting survivors.
- Specialists need to provide more training to those who support and encounter survivors, ensuring common myths and their impacts are understood and all workers feel confident and equipped to provide suitable support.
- Improved funding to enhance service delivery.
In the UK, it is estimated that 1 in 4 adult women, 1 in 16 adult men, and 1 in 6 children have experienced rape or sexual abuse (ONS 2023, NSPCC 2011). Such traumatic events often lead to long-term complex mental health needs, with some survivors receiving psychiatric diagnoses.
RASAC conducted anonymous consultations between December 2023 and May 2024 to gather evidence for their report.
A total of 241 survivors shared their experiences with mental health support, highlighting barriers they encountered and suggesting improvements.
Many survivors felt judged or dismissed by the statutory mental health system, often having the feeling of being “passed around.”
In contrast, services provided by the voluntary sector were praised for their consistency, compassion, and validation, though they face challenges such as long waiting lists and short-term support due to funding constraints.
Survivors emphasised the need for diverse approaches and long-term interventions to fully address their trauma. Professionals echoed the need for improved access to mental health support and streamlined referral processes but noted that sufficient funding is crucial to meet this demand.
The report also underscores the significant impact of the voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) sector in supporting survivors, often filling the gaps left by statutory services.
However, it calls for better multi-agency collaboration to create a comprehensive support network that addresses needs beyond mental health.
Additionally, gaps in support services were identified, particularly for men, LGBTQ+ individuals, ethnic minorities, and socially marginalized groups.
By amplifying the voices of those who have experienced trauma, RASAC continues to drive forward essential conversations and reforms aimed at ensuring every survivor receives the comprehensive, empathetic care they deserve.
Together, with the support of the community, RASAC strives to create a future where all survivors are met with understanding, dignity, and the resources necessary to heal.
For more information about RASAC please visit: https://www.rasac.co.uk/
If you or someone you know needs support, you can find useful information at the following link: RASAC Support Links.
In the event of an emergency, please dial 999.
