Last week, Rape Crisis England and Wales launched a petition to help save the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Fund, along with their key manifesto asks for all political parties.
The more signatures we get, the louder our calls will be for politicians to commit to adequately fund Rape Crisis centres beyond March 2025.
Why are we fighting to save the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Fund?
The Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Fund is the only ring-fenced government funding for sexual violence and abuse services. For many Rape Crisis centres, the Fund makes up a core part of their funding – helping centres keep their lights on and keep doors open to survivors.
But there has been no official commitment from any political party to extend the Fund beyond March 2025. This is unacceptable.
We know how vital your services are – they are life-changing and life-saving for survivors. That’s why we’re calling for all UK political parties to pledge to recommission the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Fund from March 2025.