It’s easy to turn a blind eye to sexual violence (even in light of several recent well publicised incidents in the local area) most people don’t realise the widespread nature of the problem.

According to the Home Office, approximately 21 per cent of girls experience child sexual abuse (11 per cent of boys), and 23 per cent of women will experience some form of sexual assault in adulthood (three per cent of men). Furthermore it is estimated that five per cent of women experience rape (0.4 per cent of men).

Oxford Sexual Abuse & Rape Crisis Centre (OSARCC) offers confidential, non-directive support to women who have experienced sexual violence and their supporters. Established 30 years ago, we are committed to supporting those affected by sexual violence and working to create an end to violence against women and girls. We are a volunteer-based organisation, with a small staff team and the only specialised service in the area. Over the past few years we have continued to expand our services; our telephone helpline is open four times a week and we also offer email support. In the last year we have also begun to offer peer support groups for survivors and we offer training to professional organisations and deliver youth outreach work.

Twice a year we create opportunities for volunteering, with comprehensive training and a willingness to strive to increase volunteer’s skills and knowledge at every opportunity.

Now we have reached a stage where we want to be able to develop further, expanding the range of services we offer, and increasing the opportunities for our volunteers, which we cannot achieve in our current accommodation.

We are fortunate that we have new premises, but this inevitably comes with costs.

We are asking for people to consider helping us cover the cost of moving so that we can continue to use the bulk of our finances to fund our services. We desperately need bookcases and carpet for the new building, as well as having to cover the cost of removals and phone line installation. If you can help in any way please email Lisa Ward (admin@osarcc.org.uk). Visit http://oxfordrapecrisis.net for more information about OSARCC.

If you need support through the effects of sexual violence, telephone the confidential helpline on 01865 726295 or freephone 0800 783 6294.

You can also email the support service on support@osarcc.org.uk in confidence.