I need help
Our helpline and live chat services provide free, anonymous and confidential support for people of all genders, age 13+ who have been affected by rape or sexual abuse at any time in their life.
If you are in immediate danger or need urgent medical attention, please call 999.
Call our helpline, use live chat or email us
Your call will be answered by one of our specially trained women volunteers who are there to listen and support you to talk about whatever is on your mind.
Mondays & Fridays: 11am – 2pm
Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays: 6pm – 8pm
Our lines are open to adults and young people aged 13+ of all genders.
Live chat
Via our website. A chat box will pop up during live chat hours.
E-support
support@sarsas.org.uk
About our helpline
Your call will be answered by one of our specially trained women volunteers who will listen and support you to talk about whatever is on your mind.
We are here to listen to you and believe you. We will never judge or doubt you.
We are here to help you explore your thoughts, feelings and what options you might have.
We can give you information about those options, but we will never tell you what you should do.
If calling our 0808 801 0456 number, your call will be free and they will not appear on your phone bill.
Out of hours/can’t get through
If you call outside the helpline hours you will reach a message explaining when the helpline is next open.
If you call out of hours or cannot get through in hours we have a 24 hour answer machine, you can leave your details if you wish to be called back when the helpline is next open. Please only leave a number if it is safe to do so.
About e-support
E-support offers confidential email support for people of all genders aged 13+ who have been affected by rape, sexual assault or abuse at any time in their lives. You can explore your thoughts and feelings and we can provide you with emotional support and information on other services. You can contact us any time and we will try to respond within one working day.
About live chat
Monday: 11am – 2pm
Tuesday: 12pm – 2pm & 6pm – 8pm
Wednesday: 6pm – 8pm
Thursday: 12pm – 2pm & 6pm – 8pm
Live chat provides a free and confidential space where you can get emotional text support and information. During live chat opening hours, the chat box will pop up on our website where you can chat, online, with one of our support workers.
Other organisations you can contact
National Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line: 0808 500 2222. Open every day of the year, 24 hours a day
National Rape and Sexual Abuse Support online chat: Open every day of the year, 24 hours a day
The Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Bristol, The Bridge: 0117 342 6999. 24/7 telephone support and advice to anyone affected by rape and sexual abuse, their family and friends.
Survivor Pathway
The Survivor Pathway is an online resource for anyone wanting to know more about specialist sexual violence support services in the South West.
Other SARSAS services
We also provide in-person support. Visit our support services page for more detailed information on our helpline and face-to-face services.
Downloadable resources
Useful links
Self-help guides
Our simple self help guides will walk you through your options and help you determine your next steps. These are in multiple languages and there is also and easy read version.
The latest from our news and blogs
Shame must change sides
In four words, Gisèle Pelicot articulated what all women around the world need to hear. I want to explore the experience of shame as a victim of rape, because sometimes it’s just not as easy as “I shouldn’t be ashamed, so I won’t be”.
Rape Culture: not just a buzzword
A university student, who experienced sexual violence during the first month of enrolling, reflects on the aftermath and the pervasive nature of rape culture on campus and within wider society.
The impact of trauma on pregnancy, birth & parenthood
Becoming a parent is a life-changing experience, and for many, it can also be a challenging one. If you’ve experienced rape or sexual abuse, the past trauma can feel like a heavy weight, influencing your experiences throughout pregnancy, birth, and the early stages of parenthood.
