Since 1989 we have provided support to survivors of rape and sexual violence

RASAC is an intersectional feminist organisation; registered charity, No. 1205126, that offers therapeutic and advisory services for people, aged 13+, who have experienced rape, sexual and domestic abuse, at any time in their lives, living in Kirklees, Calderdale and Wakefield.

RASAC proudly identifies as an intersectional feminist organisation, dedicated to addressing the many layered inequities that constrain all women’s lives. Working within an intersectional feminist framework, we establish and uphold women-only safe spaces where individuals identifying as women can feel empowered to discuss their experiences and needs with a dedicated woman worker. This framework is supported by a recent independent poll of 1,000 women across the UK in which 97% of respondents affirmed the importance of providing women the choice to access women-only support services, particularly for those who have experienced gender-based crimes, such as rape, sexual and domestic abuse. Hence, we remain committed to maintaining and fostering these essential women-only spaces.

While our roots lie in supporting women who have faced rape, sexual and domestic abuse, our organisation has naturally evolved to extend our comprehensive services to all individuals, irrespective of their sex or gender identity. It is our understanding that all survivors of rape, sexual and domestic abuse should have access to care and support, which prompted our organisation to expand its services to all individuals in response to the overwhelming need.

The Helpline is operated by our team of staff and volunteers, who are trained in providing support and information to people who have experienced rape, sexual and domestic violence. On the Helpline we also offer signposting and advice to friends, family members and professionals looking for information. For our helpline times see our website footer. The helpline is avaliable via telephone, email and webchat.

Therapeutic Support can help you explore the difficulties you may be experiencing in a non-judgemental, understanding environment. A worker is here to help you to discover your own inner resources and allow you to look at things in a different way at your own pace.

An Independent Sexual Violence Advisor offers confidential advice and support to all genders who have been the victims of sexual violence. They will help you come to terms with what has happened and explain the options available to you. One of the options include advice around reporting to the police, that’s only if you want to. We can also help you decide what other support you might need.

Black and racially minoritised people are disproportionately affected by sexual violence and frequently face additional barriers to accessing support.

RASAC is committed to anti-racist practice and we are working to identify, challenge and eliminate racism, bullying and structural inequalities. To do this, we are working to focus on anti-racism and anti-oppression throughout our working practices and culture.

We take an intersectional approach to challenging gender-based violence, recognising that people from multiple marginalised groups can face more than one form of oppression and discrimination.

We have signed the VAWG Anti-Racism Charter, which calls for an end to the systemic marginalisation of Black and minoritised women.

In our Self Help Guides we have included some sections about some feelings, thoughts and behaviours that survivors of abuse experience on a regular basis, which we hope you will find helpful.

RASAC relies on our volunteers to ensure our helpline and other services are available for survivors. Volunteers do not require any previous training as we hold our own mandatory in-house training. If you are interested in volunteering for RASAC and supporting survivors please access our volunteering page by clicking learn more.