​New figures show rape victims are struggling with mental health issues long after act has been perpetrated

Rape and sexual abuse are having far reaching consequences on Scottish women – long after the acts have taken place, reveals a new study.

Research by Rape Crisis Glasgow shows 14% of the 464 women who were offered support from April to September this year had considered suicide, 40% suffered from depression or flashbacks, while 64% experienced anxiety.

Many of the attacks were historical but the victim’s emotional trauma hadn’t abated.

A quarter were affected by eating disorders and 37% said they had suffered relationship problems.

The charity took 2,138 calls over that six month period, up from 1985 last year.

Isabelle Kerr, manager of Glasgow Rape Crisis, said more women were coming forward about incidents of rape within relationships - figures show the number of domestic rapes have increased by 80%.

She said: "The police are referring women to us more regularly when they go out to victims of domestic abuse, more women are talking about relationship rape.

"It's something we are seeing an increase in.

"Year on year we are seeing a rise in the number of calls. But I think even we were shocked by the number we have taken this year.

"Women often feel they coping, but it's later that they will begin to feel the effects."

Rape Crisis has launched a new website - www.rapecrisiscentre-glasgow.co.uk - which includes an instant messaging service offering immediate support for women.