We offer confidential counselling, advocacy, helpline, email support, specialist information and ISVA services.

Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland (RCTN) is a charity that provides services to women and girls who live, work or study in Tyneside and Northumberland.

We are completely independent of the criminal justice system including the police.  Our services are free and and confidential.

We are here for women and girls over 13 who have experienced any form of sexual violence at any time in their lives.

We are for all women including, but not limited to, women who identify as Lesbian, Bi, Trans and/or Questioning; Black, Minority Ethnic and Refugee women; and disabled women.  Our definition of women-only includes Trans women and non-binary people who identify that women’s services are right for them.

We won’t judge, we don’t criticise, we listen. Find out more about our services.

Online Counselling

If you would like to have counselling at home, but would feel more comfortable being able to see your counsellor’s face, we can offer online counselling.

Watch our animation below to find out more.  You will need to turn the sound on by clicking on the sound icon at the bottom right-hand side of the animation.

You can refer yourself using our online form or contact us.

We are still here for you

We are still committed to being here for women and girls who have experienced sexual violence.

We will continue to deliver services while keeping everyone safe so we won’t be meeting anyone in person.

Our services that are usually delivered face-to-face, Counselling, Group Work and Practical & Emotional Support, are being delivered over the phone and via online secure rooms to provide a face to face service. 

We are working to assess when the right time is to begin transitioning our face-to-face services back to in person delivery.  To keep you, our staff and volunteers safe, this process is being carried out cautiously, please bear with us.

We remain open for referrals for Counselling, Group Work and Practical & Emotional Support.  Once we have taken a referral a member of staff from that team will be in touch to discuss how we are working.  Please be aware there may be longer waiting times for some of our services.

Our Helpline and Email Support Services continue to be open at their usual times although at a slightly reduced capacity.