This is because, throughout our 40+ years' experience of frontline work, this is what women and girls have told us they want.
The majority of statutory services and spaces are gender-neutral, so it's important to us that we protect and maintain our safe women-only services and spaces for those who want and need them.
Research conducted by the Women’s Resource Centre found that women who had used women-only services greatly valued this support. An independent poll of 1,000 women across the UK found that 97% of those interviewed thought a female rape victim should have the choice of accessing a women-only support service.
Support for men and boys
While we focus on the needs of women and girls, we fully acknowledge men and boys also experience rape and sexual violence and abuse, and that the impacts on their lives can be similarly devastating and long-lasting.
Over half our member Rape Crisis Centres offer specific services to men and/or boys. There are also other organisations that specialise in supporting male survivors.
If a man or boy contacts a Rape Crisis Centre that does not offer direct services to male survivors, he will be treated with empathy and respect, and signposted towards his nearest appropriate services.
Find more information about support for men and boys.