​Charity says it is struggling to cope with demand for its rape support services for victims and families

Scotland's biggest city's rape support charity has seen a massive spike in demand for its services over the last four years.

Rape Crisis Glasgow has seen a more than 270% increase in calls to its helpline from 180 monthly calls in 2011 to 500 monthly calls in 2015.

Those using the charity’s services report a range of abuse from sexual violence and ritualistic abuse to torture and psychological and physical abuse.

The figures come as the charity gets set to host its annual Reclaim the Night march tonight on 25 November, which will see hundreds of people walk through the west end of Glasgow to protest against sexual violence.

Isabelle Kerr, centre manager, said the organisation is struggling to cope with the increase in women seeking help. Improved links with Police Scotland and changes in legislation have all contributed to the surge in people contacting the organisation she said.

"We really struggle to meet demand, and that's not going away. We are struggling because we don't have the resources,” said Kerr.

“We can't say whether there is an increase in the number of incidents but survivors do feel more confident seeking support and speaking out now about it.

"That in itself is another reason why the numbers are increasing."

We really struggle to meet demand, and that's not going away - Isabelle Kerr

The charity also reports an increasing number of young people are seeking help – more so than ever before.

“You open the door and there's a young woman standing there in her school uniform...that's a hard thing for us to see." said Kerr.

She added: "We're so glad though that we can do something about that and offer support, one to one and superb group work with young women, and we're lucky to have skilled workers doing that particular project.

“All of that is coming together to mean we've got these big jumps in our numbers over the past three years, we have seen a significant rise in people contacting us.

“One of the issues for survivors of sexual violence is that they are so often silenced by society, by their perpetrators, and they don't often get the chance to see justice done and have their voices heard.

“That can be seen by the relatively low conviction rates over the years.

“We want to make sure sexual violence remains on the agenda, and try to take away some of the shame and blame that often surrounds sexual violence survivors.

“Women do often blame themselves for the abuse against them, because they are blamed by society and the perpetrator becomes invisible.”

Meanwhile, Police Scotland is currently investigating an alleged sexual assault close to where marchers will congregate tonight in Glasgow.