A group for female victims of rape and sexual violence in Leeds has set up a confidential helpline.
Support After Rape & Sexual Violence Leeds (SARSVL) now provides support to women and girls by text and email.
Volunteers at the organisation have also extended opening hours.
It is free to call SARSVL’s helpline from any number, whether from a landline or a mobile.
This means that SARSVL’s number will never show on any phone bill. Text messages sent to the SARSVL helpline will be charged at a usual network rates
A spokeswoman said: “The group has been set up to support all women and girls who have been affected by rape or sexual violence, whatever their experiences.
“Calls and messages are completely confidential and no information will be shared with anybody outside of SARSVL unless it is thought a child or adult at risk is in need of protection and information is given that identifies the child or adult.”
If a text is sent, the group can respond but will not have access to a phone number.
If contact is made by email, they can respond but will not have access to her email address.
If someone making contact is worried another person might be able to read her emails or check her account, she is advised set up a new account just for contacting SARSVL.
Phone numbers can only be obtained if a caller decides to pass it directly on to volunteers over the phone, in a text message, or in the body of an e-mail.
SARSVL provide a safe space for any woman or girl to talk about how rape or sexual violence has affected her. They aim to respond to text messages within four days and emails within five days. Calls are answered immediately during opening times. The caller can also leave a message. Call 0808 802 3344, text 07797 803 211 or email: support@sarsvl.org.uk
Opening times are: Mondays 6pm to 8pm; Tuesdays 8pm to 11pm; Wednesdays 6pm to 8pm; Fridays 6pm to 8pm; Sundays 2pm to 5pm.