DRCC supported 18,400 people on the National Rape Crisis Helpline in 2022, a 31% increase over the previous year and the highest level ever reached on the line - a sign of the vast need for support for those affected by sexual violence across the country.

Continuing the trend of recent years, there has been a marked rise in calls to the helpline from people experiencing a crisis in their mental health. This reflects what they tell us is a reduction in capacity for effective mental health treatment nationwide, exacerbated by the pandemic. These callers are often frustrated and angry, repeatedly seeking solutions that go beyond the remit of DRCC to provide. There has also been a rise in people expressing suicidal ideation, with some callers expressing elevated anxiety about the future. This has led to longer, more complex calls. In some cases, callers are managing symptoms through abuse of alcohol or other substances. Helpline support can help callers manage their feelings of isolation and trauma until they access a more comprehensive support, or to get a referral to an appropriate service.

P.20 Abuse experienced by clients as adults - Suspected drug rape 0.15% (% of all incidents)