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Cry for Help

Rape is a greater concern for young people in the West Midlands than any other UK area

Young people in the West Midlands are seeking more help with rape than anywhere else. Figures released by Get Connected reveal that rape represents more than four times as many calls from this region as from the UK as a whole. Only 2% of all calls to Get Connected regard rape but, of calls from the West Midlands, almost a tenth concern rape.

Calls are from girls, mostly in their early teens, some of whom were assaulted several months ago but have not been able to talk about what has happened to them. Many of these young people are unsure about the consequences of telling someone about their experience and are unaware of the services available.

Dulcie Ireland, External Affairs Manager at Get Connected, said:

‘Rape is an extremely traumatic experience and can leave young people feeling very isolated and confused. Young people that contact Get Connected often find it very difficult to communicate what has happened to them and are unsure about what will happen if they tell someone.

Get Connected not only supports young people so they are able to talk about their experience but also informs users of their options so they can be empowered to take control and deal with the situation in the way they want.

It can be very daunting talking to a stranger, especially after a terrifying experience. However, everything is taken at the pace the young person feels comfortable with and all decisions are led by the user. As a confidential service young people can be assured that no one will find out until they feel comfortable telling someone.

Get Connected has details of over 800 organisations in the West Midlands that provide a range of services, including counseling helplines, victim support or face to face help. All calls to Get Connected are free and will not show up on the caller’s bill. Phone numbers and emails are not stored and are never traced.”

Get Connected and The Carphone Warehouse are currently running a marketing campaign in the West Midlands to raise awareness of the helpline service amongst vulnerable young people. Between June 14^th and June 20^th, anyone who knows of a young person needing help can pick up a Get Connected card at any of The Carphone Warehouse stores in the West Midlands. Young people should look out for Get Connected posters and cards at school and college.

Maxine, 15, called Get Connected because she was self-harming and wanted to stop. She had been raped three months ago but hadn’t felt able to talk about it to anyone. Since then, she’d felt very low and depressed and started cutting her arms. After talking through her options with Get Connected, Maxine decided to be connected to a national self-harm support line and texted the number of a local support centre for victims of sexual violence that she could contact in her own time.

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PLEASE PUBLICISE THE EMAIL ADDRESS - help@getconnected.org.uk

AND THE FREE HELPLINE NUMBER - 0808 808 4994

Notes to editors:

1. The vision of Get Connected is that every young person in the UK can find the help they need to support their physical and emotional well-being.
2. Get Connected is a UK wide telephone and email helpline that finds young people the best help whatever the problem. Over 1,300 young people contact Get Connected every month about a range of issues including emotional problems, physical and mental health, sexuality, abuse and running away.
3. Statistics are derived from 6790 calls during 2004 to May 31^st. 13.7% of all calls regarding rape were from the West Midlands.
4. For more information about Get Connected please visit www.getconnected.org.uk
5. Available for interview: Dulcie Ireland, External Affairs Manager, Get Connected, 07971 008 049, admin@getconnected.org.uk