The Rape Crisis Support Line (0800 88 33 00) was launched as a national freephone for victims of rape and sexual abuse in May 2013. This service was set up by the National Collective of Rape Crisis and Related Groups of Aotearoa and staffed by support workers based in designated centres across Aotearoa New Zealand.
At the time, the Collective said workers had been trained by Rape Crisis to give free and confidential advice, counselling, information and advocacy. Back then, there were 22 Services (the Collective included) covering six regions – Northland, Auckland, Central, Eastern, Wellington & Southern.
National Collective spokesperson, Georgia Knowles, says “she hoped the service will mean more survivors of rape and sexual abuse feel encouraged to come forward, because they won't have to worry about paying for the call or having to find their nearest support centre."
The Current National Rape & Sexual Abuse Crisis Line (0800 88 33 00)
The National Collective of Rape Crisis and Related Groups of Aotearoa closed in 2021. In March 2023, the Wairarapa Rape & Sexual Abuse Collective Inc. established that the National freephone was active but was not being managed.
Our Collective agreed to take over the administration of the National freephone number. This service was reviewed and is now known as the National Rape & Sexual Abuse Crisis Line (often referred to as Rape Crisis Line). All 22 original agencies were consulted. Eleven agencies across Aotearoa New Zealand remain listed as follows: