The History of the Rape
Crisis Movement

The Rape Crisis movement began in the 1970s, when women created the first community‑run centres to support survivors and challenge the silence surrounding sexual violence.

These early centres were independent, feminist and rooted in activism. Offering safety, solidarity and specialist support long before the state recognised the scale of the issue.

Rape Crisis England & Wales (RCEW) was established in 2003 and became a registered charity in 2007. As the national umbrella body, RCEW supports and strengthens a network of independent Rape Crisis Centres across England and Wales.

Together, they work to improve services for women and girls, raise awareness, influence government and challenge harmful attitudes about sexual violence.

Member Centres acknowledge all forms of sexual violence including rape, sexual assault, childhood sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, trafficking, so‑called honour‑based violence, forced marriage and FGM, whether the perpetrator is known or unknown.

Rape Crisis Centres provide free, confidential, trauma‑informed support for women and girls of all ages. Services vary by centre but often include helplines, counselling, group work, advocacy and practical support. All Centres are locally led, independent of government and the criminal justice system, and grounded in feminist principles that recognise gender‑based violence as both a cause and consequence of gender inequality.

Although each Centre is autonomous, they come together through RCEW to share expertise, uphold national standards and amplify the voices of survivors at regional and national levels.