AVON HELLO TOMORROW FUND
I’m still affected today by the rape I experienced three years ago. I want to set up a secure and confidential 24hour help service through national charity Rape Crisis, so women who have suffered sexual violence can access long-term support, often when they need it the most.
I am a victim of rape and like many other cases mine was not taken to court. I was given 18 months counseling then was left to try and deal with the trauma of my experiences on my own. Three years later, it still affects me now.
Currently Rape Crisis is only able to provide a limited phone helpline for a few hours a day. I would like to set up an online forum where women who have suffered sexual violence can talk and confide in each other. The 24hour text and email help service will provide emotional support and practical advice any time of the day. I know that sometimes picking up the phone is just too scary. By offering a range of ways for women to access help, we can encourage them to reach out for support and open up about their experiences in a less intimidating forum.
I wish there had been an anonymous place where I could have accessed more long-term advice or support from women who knew what I was going through. Hopefully I can create such a service for other women, to help them overcome their traumatic experiences and rebuild their lives.