VICTIMS of rape and sexual assault in York are being given a new support lifeline as one of the city’s charities expands the help it provides.

Survive, which currently offers a helpline for people who were sexually abused as children, is now extending its role to those who have fallen prey to sex attackers.

It comes after York Rape Crisis closed two years ago, with no replacement provided since, and in the wake of The Press’s revelation this week that the number of sex offences in York had risen to its highest level in at least five years.

Survive co-ordinator Mandy Alderson said the crisis centre’s closure led to the charity receiving a string of inquiries asking if it could provide a service to rape and sexual assault victims. She said it would concentrate on the support aspect rather than encouraging those who come forward to seek prosecutions.

“We offer one-to-one support made to help people work out what kind of support is right for them,” she said.

“We are not here to put pressure in people to go to the police and report the crime. Instead, we want to put the emphasis on support and guidance rather than on prosecution.”

The Press’s analysis of crime in York showed the city’s tally of sexual offences increased from 124 in 2008 to 177 last year, a rise of 43 per cent, prompting concern from the Women’s Resource Centre in London about the lack of local support for victims.

Following funding allowing a team of ten trained volunteers to receive the necessary training, Survive has now launched a new helpline and aims to provide support through confidential phone calls as well as one-to-one meetings.

Although the charity hopes to receive more funding, it says it will support anyone who has experienced rape or sexual abuse.

Survive is keen to recruit new volunteers and training will begin in September or October. More information is available by phoning the charity on 01904 638813, visiting its office at 15 Priory Street, York, or emailing survive@survive-northyorks.org.uk The Survive helpline can be phoned on 01904 642830 on Mondays between 6.30pm and 9pm and Wednesdays between 2pm and 4.30pm. Messages can be left outside these hours.