We’re ready to support you
Whether you’re looking for help for yourself or for someone else
If you have been affected by rape, sexual abuse or sexual violence, we can help you understand your options and find support that feels right for you.
You do not need to have reported to the police to access support.
Support that fits you
We offer several types of support, including helpline support, counselling, ISVA support (police and criminal justice), practical support, groups, and support for friends and family. Read more about these in types of support.
Whatever you’re feeling, however you got here, support is available. You might be wondering whether what happened “counts”, whether it was bad enough, or whether you are allowed to ask for help. You are not the only person to feel that way.
You might know exactly what you need. You might not. Either is okay. You can contact us if something happened recently, if it happened a long time ago, or if you are only just beginning to make sense of it. You do not need to have reported to the police. You do not need to report to ask for support.
Sexual violence can include many different experiences. What matters is the impact it has had on you. You can contact GMRC even if you are unsure.
You may not know what to call what happened. You may not feel sure whether GM Rape Crisis is for you. You can still contact us. We will listen and help you work out what support may be available.
We will explain your options and take things one step at a time. We will not pressure you to report to the police or take a route that does not feel right for you.
We offer different types of support. This may include helpline support, counselling, ISVA support, advocacy, groups, resources and support for friends or family.
If you are a man or boy, or you’re supporting one
GMRC’s services are for women and girls. We Are Survivors is the specialist service for men and boys affected by rape, sexual abuse and sexual violence across Greater Manchester. They offer a helpline, one-to-one therapy, ISVA support and group support.
What happens when you contact us
We’ll take things one step at a time. You stay in control. You don’t have to decide everything straight away. We’re here to walk alongside you.
Counselling at GMRC is free. We are a charity and welcome donations, but they are never a requirement. Some services may have a waiting list, but we’ll always tell you honestly how long the wait is, and what support is available in the meantime.
When you contact us, a typical route may look like this:
1. Get in touch
You can call our helpline, send us an email, or ask a professional to refer you with your knowledge.
2. Initial conversation
We’ll speak with you, usually for about an hour, to listen and understand what support might help. You decide what you want to share.
3. Understand options
We’ll explain the support available and talk through the options together. There’s no pressure – we’ll help you decide what feels right for you.
4. Agree next step
Together we’ll agree the best next step for you. This might be a referral, more information, or some time to think about it.
5. Support begins
Support starts at a pace that works for you. We’ll agree together how often we meet or speak, and you can tell us at any point if something is not working.
6. Ongoing support
There’s no fixed path. You can pause, change your mind, or return to us at any time.
We will follow your lead
Some people say survivor. Some say victim. Some say client or service user. Some do not use any of those words. We usually use “survivor” on this website, but you do not have to use that word for yourself.
You can use the words that feel right to you.
What we may ask
We may ask for some basic information so we can understand what support might help and how to contact you safely. This might include your name, contact details, safe times to contact you, and a little about what kind of support you are looking for.
You do not need to share your full story before you are ready.
Types of support
As well as our helpline, we offer a range of support, including counselling, groups, and connection to an Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (ISVA), who can guide you through police, court or criminal justice matters if needed.
Helpline: open 5 days a week
Our helpline offers a confidential space to talk, ask questions or get emotional support. You do not need to give your full story. You do not need to be sure what you want. You can call if you are a survivor, or if you are worried about someone else. If you are thinking about reporting, we can help you understand your options. If you have already reported, We may be able to support you through the process.
Counselling: Space to talk at your own pace
Counselling gives you time and space to talk about what has happened and how it is affecting you. It can support healing, understanding and recovery. You decide what you want to talk about and when.
There may be a waiting list for counselling. We will explain what happens next and what support may be available while you wait.
Groups: connection and community
Some people find group support helpful. We may offer coffee mornings, peer support, taught support groups or community activities. These spaces can help reduce isolation and give people a sense of connection, familiarity and belonging. You do not have to share anything you are not ready to share. Dates for upcoming groups are on our News and events page.
An Independent Sexual Violence Adviser, often called an ISVA, can support you if you are thinking about reporting, have already reported, or are involved in a police, court or criminal justice process.
An ISVA can help you understand what may happen, what your rights are, and what choices are available. You do not have to go through the process alone. You also do not have to report to the police to ask us for support.
Testimonials: What women have said about our ISVA service
“Thank you for going above and beyond the call of duty”
“ISVAs are immensely important, and I truly believe you have contributed greatly to the healing process”
Supporting someone you care about
Here are a few things worth keeping in mind if someone you care about has been affected by rape, sexual abuse or sexual violence. There’s more to think about than this, but it’s a good place to start.
Believe them
One of the most important things you can do is believe what they tell you. You do not need to investigate, question or ask for proof.
Let them lead
Try to let the person make their own choices about what they share, what support they want and what happens next.
Get support too
Sexual violence can affect friends, family, partners and loved ones. You are allowed to need information, reassurance and support too. The Friends and Loved Ones group runs for partners, family and friends, and dates are on our News and events page.
What can help
Start by listening without judgement. You might want to fix things quickly, ask lots of questions or tell the person what to do. Try to pause and let them lead. They may not want to talk in detail. They may not know what they need. They may change their mind from day to day.
Helpful things to say can include:
Small, steady support can make a real difference.
Things to avoid
Questions like “Why didn’t you leave?” or “Why didn’t you say something sooner?” can feel blaming, even when they are not meant that way.
The person does not need to tell you everything. Let them choose what they want to share and when.
Try not to tell them what they must do next. Choice and control can be an important part of recovery.
Some people report to the police. Some do not. Some are unsure. It is their choice.
Try not to compare what happened to them with someone else’s experience. Everyone responds differently.
There is no set timeline for recovery. What happened may affect them in different ways at different times.
If they are not ready
Start by listening without judgement. You might want to fix things quickly, ask lots of questions or tell the person what to do. Try to Someone may not be ready to contact Greater Manchester Rape Crisis or another service. That can be hard to accept when you want them to be safe and supported.
Unless there is an immediate safety risk, try not to force a decision. You can still help by being steady, patient and informed. You could:
You can remind them that they do not need to decide everything at once.
While you wait
Waiting can be difficult, especially after you have taken the step of asking for help.
Use the helpline
You can contact GMRC’s helpline if you need to talk, ask about support, or find out what options may be available.
Grounding tools
Some people find grounding techniques helpful when they feel panicked or overwhelmed, to bring your attention back to the present moment.
Safety plan
A safety plan can help you think through what to do if you feel unsafe, distressed or at risk. It can include people, places and actions that may help.
Need help right now?
If you are in immediate danger or need urgent help, please use emergency support now. We may not be able to respond immediately, especially outside opening hours.
Immediate danger
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999.
You can call 999 if someone is threatening you, you need emergency help, or you are worried someone may seriously harm you or someone else.
Urgent medical help
If you need urgent medical help, call 111, go to A&E, or call 999 in an emergency.
This may include injuries, pain, concern about drugs or alcohol, or urgent physical or mental health support.
Emotional crisis
If you feel at risk of harming yourself, seek urgent help now.
You can call 999, go to A&E, contact your GP urgently, contact a local crisis team, or call Samaritans on 116 123.
Medical and forensic support
If you have been raped or sexually assaulted recently, you may need medical care, emergency contraception, sexual health support, or forensic support.
You do not have to decide straight away whether to report to the police. A Sexual Assault Referral Centre, often called a SARC, can explain your options and may be able to provide specialist medical and forensic support. You can search for “SARC” and your area to find your nearest centre.
If you’re worried someone may see this, use Quick Exit button below. Check the information for viewing the site privately here.
One small step and other options
If you feel overwhelmed
If you are not in immediate danger but feel panicked, numb, disconnected or overwhelmed, try to bring your attention back to the present moment. You could try one small thing:
You do not need to do this perfectly. Just try one small thing.
Out-of-hours emotional support
If we are closed and you need support, you can still use national or local support services.
If we are closed, you can also contact:
Emergency services
National Rape Crisis helpline
Samaritans
NHS 111
Local mental health crisis support
Local SARC
Self-referral form
You can refer yourself directly to Greater Manchester Rape Crisis. You don’t need to speak to anyone first.
Complete the form below when you feel ready. You can take your time, and the information you provide will help us understand how we can best support you.
Questions people often have
No. You do not have to report to the police to contact us or ask for support.
If you are thinking about reporting, we can help you understand your options. If you have already reported, We may be able to support you through the process.
No. You can contact us even if you are not sure what you need. We can talk through what support may be available and what might feel manageable.
Yes. You can contact us whether something happened recently or many years ago.
Some services may accept professional referrals, while others may need you to contact GMRC yourself. We will make the referral routes clear.
Professionals should always make sure you know they are referring you and understand what information they are sharing.
Yes. Friends, family, partners and loved ones can contact us for guidance if they are worried about someone else.
Yes. We take confidentiality very seriously. Information you share with Greater Manchester Rape Crisis will not normally be shared outside our organisation without your knowledge and agreement.
However, there are rare situations where we may need to share information without your consent, such as where there are concerns about your safety or the safety of someone else, safeguarding concerns, or where we are legally required to do so. Any decision to share information will be carefully considered and will only happen where it is necessary, lawful and proportionate. Wherever possible, we will explain this to you and involve you in the process.
If you have any questions about confidentiality, please ask. We will always be open about how your information is protected
There may be a waiting list for some services. We will explain current waiting times and what support may be available while you wait.