National Sexual Abuse Support Line
To provide a National Sexual Abuse Support Line for victim-survivors of rape and sexual abuse aged 16 and over in England and Wales. Proposals should create a single point of access for person-centred, trauma-informed support to victim-survivors of rape and sexual abuse, providing early intervention and immediate emotional support. Funding is for three years and the Support Line should be operational by Autumn 2026. Mobilisation funding will be available to the successful applicant on signing of the Grant Agreement (expected end of May 2026).
- Opening date:
- Closing date: (Midnight)
Contents
Summary
The Grant Recipient will:
provide a national free support service which includes a phone line and at least one alternative channel. The service will offer choice and be accessible to all victim-survivors, taking into account additional requirements.
provide an emotionally safe environment that prevents re-traumatisation in which victim-survivors can safely disclose, explore and understand what has happened and get information on options, services and next steps should they want this.
respond safely to victim-survivors calling in a crisis, ensuring any immediate risks are identified and managed, and that safeguarding duties are met.
provide a service where victim-survivors can remain anonymous.
provide victim-survivors with timely and comprehensive information on rights and options, helping survivors feel empowered to make informed decisions affecting them. This includes understanding their options around interacting with the police or other criminal justice agencies, if the victim-survivors choose.
provide victim-survivors with information on, or referrals to, sources of holistic support on all issues relating to rape and sexual abuse, depending on the needs and consent of the individual. This includes (but is not limited to) Independent Sexual Violence Advisory (ISVA) services, housing, alcohol and substance misuse, health (including sexual health) and well-being.
have clear arrangements in place for victim-survivors with learning disabilities, communication difficulties, or other additional or complex needs to ensure support is accessible. At least one of the service platforms will be accessible to d/Deaf survivors.
respond safely to any callers under the age of 16, and connect them with appropriate support for children and young people. The service will ensure that any callers under the age of 16 feel listened to and know they are taken seriously. The service will ensure safeguarding duties and responsibilities are fully met.
respond to callers who want to provide support to victim-survivors (friends, family, contacts) and other professionals.
ensure that there are sufficient, appropriately trained staff and volunteers to deliver the service.
monitor and evaluate use of the service and use this learning to optimise the distribution of resources / make any necessary improvements, taking into account demand patterns over time.
collaborate with the Ministry of Justice to develop a communications plan to ensure that the service is promoted to all, including minoritised communities.
participate in Ministry of Justice governance mechanisms such as steering groups, regular grant management meetings, collaboration with other relevant Government helplines and ad hoc meetings as required.
ensure that the availability and contact details of the service are publicised in a way which maximises its reach, and be able to flex staffing resources to respond to increased use.
have or be working towards (within 12 months of the Commencement Date) the Helplines Standard and an appropriate accreditation in sexual abuse support.
Eligibility
We will accept applications from either a single organisation that is able to provide a national service across England and Wales or a consortia of organisations with an identified lead organisation. Consortia must be arranged and co-ordinated by the lead applicant and they must be a UK-registered organisation.
We will not subdivide the grant into geographical lots and the grant will be awarded as a single lot.
Government Grant Funding requires that the service should be freely available to service users and grant will be paid based on actual expenditure therefore private sector organisations wishing to apply must clearly demonstrate that the service would be delivered as a non-profit venture.
Objectives
Service Outcomes
victim-survivors of any form of recent or non-recent rape and sexual abuse have access to support via multiple channels, whenever they need it;
victim-survivors feel they have choices about their well-being;
victim-survivors’ satisfaction with the service is monitored;
victim-survivors feel they can make informed choices about the criminal justice process;
victim-survivors can access signposting and / or referral information, which includes including regional or local support services where they can receive on-going support in their community.
System Outcomes:
Victim-survivors have choice, control, and feel empowered;
Victim-survivors are supported to cope and recover from their experience(s) of rape and sexual abuse;
Victim-survivors feel satisfied with service delivery and service outcomes.
Dates
The competition will open on 6th January 2026.
Applicants should raise any clarification questions by 20th January 2026.
The deadline for submission of applications is midnight on 20th February 2026.
How to apply
All applications must be submitted through MoJ's e-sourcing platform.The link is here: Ministry of Justice e-sourcing portal
Applicants will need to register as a supplier on the portal if your organisation does not have a current supplier profile set up.
The project is listed on the e-sourcing portal as:
National Sexual Abuse Support Line prj_15974 ITT_10175
During the competition all communication must be undertaken via the e-sourcing platform.