Rape and Sexual Assault Support Centre

This centre is vitally important to victims of sexual assault living in Surrey. The number of victims has been increasing and it has been supporting them since 1992. Today, RASASC has 30 qualified volunteer counsellors, offering either remote sessions or face to face. There are also eight Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs) based at their premises in Guildford. Its excellent work in helping all genders over the age of 13 was recognised by its receipt of the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2017. It works closely with the Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Cobham. As about 20% of those seeking its help have been victims of domestic abuse, it also has good relations with the County agencies helping victims of such conduct.

It is an independent body though it naturally has considerable contact with the Police. 55% of those it has helped through its ISVA service have been referred to it by the Police. Last year nearly 2200 people were given assistance, up from 1534 from the previous year. There has been a 40% increase in victims aged 18-24. The Centre are working closely with schools, to increase awareness of their services.

The Helpline is open 7.30pm to 9.30pm Monday to Thursday to survivors of assault and to those assisting them. Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs) provide 1:1 practical and emotional support. There are also specialist services for young people and those with complex mental health needs. The range of counselling services offered, aims to meets the needs of survivors, who can talk about their experiences and how they’ve been affected, and by so doing they can be helped to come to terms with what they’ve suffered. Group Support is also available, and a self-confidence and esteem programme. 

There are few referrals from schools but talks have been given at schools and such would be appropriate for citizenship classes. Pre-Covid, the Centre wrote to each secondary school and colleges in the county. It also aims for more involvement with the universities and places of higher education in Surrey, and thereby give talks to students and young people. It is currently in contact with the University of Surrey.

As a charity it has to find funds. The MOJ gives support and the PCC provides a significant and large amount. But there is no financial backing from SCC or local authorities. The Community Foundation for Surrey has donated £10,000pa. It would be so helpful if it did not have constant concern about its annual funding. It is such a vital source of support for the increasing numbers of people needing its help.

My thanks go to Lesley Devonport, Kate Whittaker, Caroline Coates and Sally Hutton for their time and the information they gave me.