At the Green Party's annual conference in Brighton next week, party leader Caroline Lucas MEP will urge the Greens to push for a government-funded national hotline for victims of rape and sexual abuse.

Caroline Lucas said:
"Rape crisis centres are struggling for funding. Some have closed; others provide phone services for a few hours a week. 40% of adults who are raped tell no-one. 31% of children who are abused reach adulthood without speaking of it. They may need help at any time.

Dr Lucas, who is widely tipped to become the party's first UK MP in the coming general election, added:
"These are absolutely vital services, and it's entirely appropriate that they be funded from taxation."

If the motion passes, the Green Party's new policy would be to fund a national rape crisis hotline, to be operated by an NGO, to provide 24-hour, seven day access to immediate support and referral for victims of sexual crimes. This would direct callers to local services, including local phone lines.

Caroline Lucas said that she expected the motion to win strong support.

The Green Party autumn conference will take place at Hove Town Hall,
Friday September 4 to Sunday 6.

For more information about the Greens view: www.brightonandhovegreenparty.org.uk