Our early years

We were founded in 1992, when staff at the local sexual health clinic identified the need for a specialist service to support survivors of rape and sexual abuse. We initially obtained funding to set up a helpline service for two evenings a week. We recruited our first volunteers in 1993 and the helpline opened in September that year.

Over the next few years our services expanded, and in 1995 we launched our face-to-face counselling service. The following year, our helpline service was extended to five evenings a week, to meet growing demand. 1996 saw RASASC achieve registered charity status from the Charity Commission.

Expanding our services

Our first paid worker, a part-time post, was recruited in 1997. In 1998, we introduced our self-help support groups and over the next few years we recruited more volunteers for our helpline and counselling services. In 2002 we became a member of The Survivors Trust , a national umbrella organisation for rape and sexual abuse services.

In 2010, thanks to funding from the Home Office, we recruited our first Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA). Since then, the ISVA service has steadily grown to meet survivors needs, including young people aged 13-17, mental health needs, LGBTQ+, physical and mental disabilities, male survivors, older people, and survivors from hard to reach and marginalised communities.

Like all voluntary organisations, funding remains a challenge. In October 2016 RASASC recruited a part-time professional fundraiser to develop a robust fundraising strategy and help diversify our income.

We work hard to raise awareness in the community about the impacts of rape and sexual abuse, and the services we offer. In October 2017 we recruited a Community Engagement Officer to increase our activity in this area. This was followed in 2018 with the introduction of our Youth Support and Family Support counselling services, and in 2020 we recruited a Communications and Engagement Manager to help raise awareness of who we are and what we do.

Planning for the future

Demand for our support has greatly increased. RASASC remains the only specialist rape and sexual abuse support service in Surrey that works with survivors of all genders and backgrounds.

We are continually learning and adapting. Through listening to the experiences of our clients, we can ensure we are there for more survivors of rape, sexual abuse or unwanted sexual experiences.

However, we can’t do it on our own. Your support is vital in helping us continue to reach those who need us. To set up a one-off or regular donation towards our vital work, visit our donate page .  You will be directly changing the lives of those affected by rape and sexual abuse. Thank you.