Sexual violence support charity announces closure

In 2023 the charity wrote a public letter to criticise a sexualised billboard in Ipswich

A charity that supports women and girls who have been affected by sexual violence has announced with "deep regret" it will close after more than 10 years.

On Wednesday Suffolk Rape Crisis announced that the charity would have to shut after trustees found its funds were "too insecure" and services were no longer "sustainable".

The charity, which was founded in 2011, will close its doors in July.

In a statement published on its website, the charity said: "We understand that this may come as a shock to you all, and we are inspired by your bravery to seek support this far."

'Funds too insecure'

The charity added: "Our funds are too insecure and the services we provide are no longer sustainable, so our trustees have made the difficult decision to close our doors."

The charity supports women and girls, above the age of 14 and living in Suffolk, who have experienced sexual violence.

"We celebrate what has been achieved since we started in 2011. Most of all, we have been and continue to be, inspired by the bravery and achievements of the women and girls who have been supported."

The charity has thanked the groups and organisations it has worked with and said it felt "privileged" to have been supported with their skills, knowledge, time and funds.

In 2023 the charity wrote a public letter to criticise a flooring company's billboard advert in Ipswich, which pictured a woman in high heels with the tagline "it's so easy to lay". The billboard was later removed.