A rape support group, thought to be the first of its kind in the county, has been set up.

Oxford Sexual Abuse and Rape Crisis Centre will host a group where 10 to 12 woman will discuss their experiences.

Until now its 50 volunteers have only been able to offer confidential advice over the phone and via email since it was established in 1981.

Volunteer and group co-ordinator Helen Chapman said the move came due to rising demand.

She said: “I think it is important for women to get the sense of being with other women in the same position and not feeling alone.

“It is all about them going on a journey and people coming together and seeing that people see things in the same way. It brings a very different dynamic to talking on the phone.”

She added: “We did a survey of victims who used our service and 100 per cent said they would like a support group.

“So from January 18, a group will be meeting every Tuesday evening to meet with a qualified facilitator who has over 20 years’ experience.

“We have 10 to 12 places open to women who get in contact. They must be over 18 and be a survivor of sexual abuse or rape, but there are no other criteria.”

Some sessions would be focused on one person’s story, while others will be about themes around sex attacks.

The Government estimates around one in four women are victims of sexual assault at some point in their lives.

But just 15 per cent of these are reported to police.

The £4,500 needed for the group to run has been raised from charitable donations, but Miss Chapman is hoping for more funding.

She said: “80 per cent of the women we surveyed said they really wanted a long-term group.

“At the moment we only have enough for three months, so if anyone was interested in funding us for a bit longer, we would be grateful. We are hopeful that because this service isn’t offered anywhere else, we should be able to keep it going.”

The centre takes calls on Mondays and Thursdays from 6.30pm to 9pm, Fridays 11.30am to 2.30pm and Sundays 6pm to 8.30pm.

l The group can be called on 01865 726295, 0800 7836294 or email support@osarcc.org.uk rpope@oxfordmail.co.uk