‘Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland, is a specialist sexual violence service, offering support to any woman or girl aged 13+, who has experienced any form of sexual violence at any time in their lives.
We are a free and confidential service, for anyone living, working or studying across Northumbria. We work independently from the Criminal Justice System and offer wide range of services to support women & girls, including counselling & our anonymous Helpline & Email support.
Sexual violence can include childhood sexual abuse, rape and sexual assault.
It also includes sexual harassment; verbal and non-verbal which takes place in person or digitally e.g. social media, text etc.
Sexual violence also includes organised and ritual abuse, exploitation through pornography or prostitution, and female genital mutilation
Our definition of women-only includes Trans women and non-binary people who identify that women’s services are right for them.
People can self-refer into our services using our Helpline & Email support or using the online referral form: Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland – Helpline: 0800 035 2794 We also take referrals from Third Parties with consent from the survivor.
Part of our work is tackling injustice in society through dismantling myths & stereotypes that surround sexual violence. From young women & girls being sexualised through school uniforms with Roll Down Your Skirt, to research from Northumbria University examining women’s experiences in the Nighttime Economy. Our Breaking the Silence, Breaking the Barriers work looks at what barriers prevent people from accessing support. The main barrier we find is most often the fear of not being believed. This is at the core of what we do. We won’t judge, we offer a compassionate, listening ear.
We believe you.’
Further reading, reports, and resources:
Roll Down Your Skirt Report: Executive Summary
Northumbria University report: Fear, anger, and shame -Executive Summary Final
Sexual Violence against Older People: A Review of the Empirical Literature
Guest piece authored by Represent Women members RCTN