East Kent Rape Crisis Centre (formerly known as East Kent Rape Line) was first established in 1981 by a small group of committed women who recognised that there are many people who have been affected by sexual violence and coercion who are completely unsupported. With strong backgrounds in counselling and a spare phoneline, they set out to change this for the women of East Kent. Four decades later their mission lives on through the 79 amazing women who make up our charity today. We are proud to offer practical and emotional support in the form of face-to-face counselling; therapeutic crisis interventions; support through the criminal justice system; and support and crisis helplines, to anyone who has experienced sexual violence or coercion at any time in their lives. Our services are open to all and we aim to provide immediate, empathic support to anyone who requires it regardless of age, gender, race, religion, orientation or identity.

As well as supporting survivors of sexual violence, our mission is to prevent it even happening in the first place and we are committed to challenging societal attitudes that condone or collude with sexually harmful behaviour. We aim to do this by raising awareness and educating both young people and adults around issues such as healthy relationships, consent, harmful sexual behaviours and sexual exploitation.

All of the above are provided free of charge and as a charity we rely on both securing funding opportunities and donations from the public in order to keep these vital services running. To celebrate our 40th year we are aiming to raise £4000 by the end of 2021 and we're asking for your help to achieve it! We are incredibly grateful for every penny donated and if you'd like to find out more about where the money goes please check out our website https://www.ekrcc.org.uk/