History

Our roots are in the feminist rape crisis movement that emerged in 2008 in response to violence against women and girls.

A purple lotus flower with Bristol Rape Crisis written underneath

Our roots are as a feminist, women-led organisation that started in 2008 as Bristol Rape Crisis.

We started with 2 women, one phone, and a handful of amazing volunteers.  From there on we worked tirelessly to continue to grow and develop to support as many people affected by sexual violence as possible.

A pink lotus with the words Somerset and Avon Rape and Sexual Abuse Support underneath it

We grew to cover the whole of Avon and Somerset

In 2013 we received funding to offer support to people across Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset, Somerset, or South Gloucestershire. The staff team grew and we started providing much needed counselling services.

Going from strength to strength

We now have nearly 50 members of staff and 30 volunteers. We run new, innovative support services, and national projects, alongside our original helpline that has provided a lifeline for victim-survivors since 2008. We became proudly trans-inclusive and continue to work on our equality, diversity, and inclusion to ensure that no one is left behind.

An orange badge that displays the words 2021 winner GSK Impact Awards

National recognition

In 2021, we were thrilled to win a GSK Impact Award.

This award recognised our significant impact in the community and commitment to supporting survivors of sexual violence in Avon and Somerset area.

Following a rigorous selection and assessment process of more than 350 charities across the UK, we were chosen as one of 10 winners of the 2021 GSK IMPACT Awards which recognises the outstanding work of small and medium sized charities working to improve health and well-being across the UK.

The latest from our news and blogs

Hands are typing on a laptop

When convenience becomes control: understanding technology-facilitated abuse in smart homes

Smart home devices are designed to make life easier: lights that switch on with your voice, a camera that tells you who’s at the door, and heating you can adjust from your phone.

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Izzy’s London Landmarks Half Marathon Story

“It was a lot harder than I thought! But it was just so much fun, and I was so proud of myself for doing it.”

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Surviving online sexual abuse

In this blog, a survivor of online abuse talks about the impact this type of abuse had on them as well as the different areas of their life.