Set up in 1986, Northamptonshire Rape Crisis (NRC) is an independent charity that supports people who have been sexually abused, assaulted or raped.
Over the past 35 years we have supported over 15,000 people who have been impacted by sexual violence.
Our support is available regardless of when the sexual violence against you happened, whether it was fifty years ago, or fifty minutes ago, whether it was a single attack or ongoing abuse. Our team offers specialist, independent and confidential help and support for both men and women, as well as young people aged 14+.
NRC provides support to individuals regardless of gender, age or sexuality. Run by an all-female team, we also offer a women-and-girls-only safe space. Working to feminist principles, NRC are committed to providing a gender-specific, trauma-informed approach which recognises sexual violence against women as part of a broader pattern of inequality. NRC recognise that gender imbalances intersect with other forms of discrimination and marginalisation and are committed to anti-racism and promoting inclusivity at all points of contact with the service.
We understand that speaking out and accessing help following sexual abuse or assault of any kind isn’t easy. We’ll work with you every step of the way to help you cope, recover and move on. To find out more about how we can help visit our Support page.
National Support Services: Rape Crisis England and Wales
Rape Crisis England and Wales (RCEW) are an umbrella body working to co-ordinate and support a network of independent affiliated Rape Crisis Centre’s (RCC’s) across England and Wales. Northamptonshire Rape Crisis is an affiliated and accredited member of RCEW. www.rapecrisis.org.uk
The History of the Rape Crisis Movement
Rape Crisis formed as a co-ordinating group in 2003 and registered as a charity, Rape Crisis England & Wales (RCEW) in February 2007 to promote the needs of women and girls who have experienced sexual violence, improve services to them and work towards the elimination of sexual violence. Rape Crisis England & Wales are an umbrella body working to co-ordinate and support a network of independent affiliated Rape Crisis Centres (RCCs) across England and Wales.
They campaign to raise awareness, improve the response of Government and other organisations and challenge public attitudes about the acceptability of sexual violence.
Rape Crisis member centres acknowledge all forms of sexual violence, including; rape, sexual assault and childhood sexual abuse, sexual harassment, rape in marriage, forced marriage, and so-called honour-based violence, female genital mutilation, trafficking and sexual exploitation; ritual abuse and sexual harassment, irrespective of whether the violence is from known or unknown perpetrators.
Rape Crisis Centres, locally led, provide crucial frontline support and independent advocacy for all women of all ages who have experienced any form of sexual violence both recently and/or in the past; they are community based, and independent of government and the criminal justice system.
The first Rape Crisis Centre opened in 1973, Centres now offer a wide range of specialist support and information for women and girl survivors, families, friends and professionals including: helplines, face-to-face counselling and support, group work, advocacy (such as supporting women to access the criminal justice system or housing), practical support and supervision for other agencies.
Member Centres provided dedicated space for women and girls and services are delivered free of charge, in confidence, in a safe and non-threatening environment. They work to feminist principles, recognizing that gender based violence is a cause and consequence of gender inequality, and it requires a gender-specific, evidence-based response. Achieving real equality means tackling the structural inequality and privilege that is embedded in society and in gender relations. Member Centres adhere to a statement of Common purpose which promotes dedicated services for women and girls as a way of challenging structures which have historically discriminated against women and girls, and provide the most effective care and services.
Rape Crisis groups are autonomous, but have come together to work under the umbrella of Rape Crisis England and Wales through a regional network of Rape Crisis Centres to share information, expertise and provide a voice to women and girls both on a regional and national level.