Local charity, Suffolk Rape Crisis (SRC) have launched their online shop and are calling on Suffolk to ‘support survivors’ when doing their Christmas shopping this year. With 100% of the proceeds going directly to supporting women and girls subjected to sexual violence in Suffolk, the SRC shop is selling cards, t-shirts and totes designed by local artists.

The Shop will also be selling ‘self-care packages’ for survivors. Shoppers can buy them for themselves or gift it to someone for Christmas. Each purchase will provide a personalised self-care package that will be sent to a woman accessing SRC services in January. As Amy Roch, Director of SRC explains;

‘This is the perfect gift for the feminist in your life. The recipient will receive a beautiful, specially designed card letting them know that the self-care package has been gifted on their behalf.’

SRC are fundraising at a time when demand for their services is increasing due to the consequences of the pandemic. The UK has seen domestic abuse killings double during the lockdown and calls to helplines have skyrocketed.

‘January is often difficult but with further lockdown restrictions likely, it is likely to be particularly hard for many of the women accessing the SRC service. During lockdown, these self-care packages were incredibly important to the women who received them and so we are asking Suffolk to help us continue providing these for survivors into the New Year.’

Suffolk Rape Crisis works across the county, providing specialist support to all women and girls who have experienced any form of sexual violence, at any point in their lives. The organisation provides specialist counselling, outreach, a helpline and online groups to women and girls aged 14 and over. As a critical service, SRC has continued to provide this life-changing and life-saving support throughout the pandemic and has expanded its support to meet the increasing demand. However, due to social distancing restrictions, many of its usual fundraising events have been cancelled. As Amy Roch explains;

‘Our service has never been more vital. By buying from our shop this festive season you will be ensuring that our life-saving service can continue to support women and girls, where and when they need it.’

Visit the shop on the SRC website here: https://srchelp.org.uk/shop

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