Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether her Department provides support to Safeline’s national male rape helpline.

For FY 2024-25 the Ministry of Justice has allocated grant funding of £244,887 to Safeline to deliver the National Male Survivor Helpline and Online Support Service.

The grant for the National Male Survivor Helpline and Online Support Service, delivered by Safeline, will expire on 31 March 2025. The Ministry of Justice has worked with Safeline on their exit planning arrangements for our grant funding and the Department was informed that the helpline service will continue due to Safeline securing alternative funding.

The 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line, funded by the Department and currently delivered by Rape Crisis England and Wales, will be extended until 31 March 2026. This service supports all victims of sexual violence, regardless of their gender.

We inherited a criminal justice system in crisis as well as an incredibly challenging financial inheritance meaning difficult decisions are needed across the board. These are not calls we have taken lightly - but by continuing to protect funding for sexual violence and domestic abuse services, we will make sure brave victims can get the vital help they need to rebuild their lives.