Rape and sexual abuse survivors in Highlands waiting 18 months for help, charity warns

Survivors of abuse living in the Highlands are facing the longest wait for help in Scotland, a charity has warned.

Chiefs at Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Highland (RASASH) said the service was struggling to meet demand as living costs soar, and hoped to attract more funding.

Last year, figures showed some people across the region had been waiting up to 18 months to be seen.

For abuse survivor Janie, getting help from RASASH gave her a lifeline.

She said: “They basically saved my life. I was put on a waiting list for counselling, but while I was waiting for that they were phoning me once a week, checking in ‘how are you, do you need anything?’.”

“The need is massive. There will be women suffering all over the Highlands right now and it’s terrifying to think this is a team of 24. It’s impossible to help all of these women. How are they going to take on more staff and reach all these women? It’s heartbreaking.

“Something needs to change. Hopefully it will.”

RASASH, which is funded through the Scottish Government, donations and grants, hopes to acquire a more modern, suitable premises.

It has also introduced a phone support line in a bid to reduce waiting times.

RASASH has introduced a phone line to help reduce waiting times

Chief executive officer, Romy Rehfeld said: “We have only got two support rooms, but we have got more than 200 people in our service at the moment, so the reality is that we can’t offer everyone an in-person service.

“The main challenge is trying to find affordable spaces in Inverness. And the cost-of-living crisis has obviously exacerbated that.

“We are very much in need of additional funds to be able to afford a place and have a place that I think survivors deserve.”

More women who depend on the charity say it has saved their life.

One woman told STV News: “I spoke to my GP and she gave me the details for RASASH – I would hate to think where I might be if I hadn’t got that help.

“They actually believed me. It was only after a letter from RASASH to my GP and to psychology that I eventually got some trauma psychology appointments.

” It had felt impossible to speak out. When it happens to you, you think you’re the only one but if you actually speak with people with shared experiences it’s a big help.

“I want anybody in the slightest situation like that to get that help.”