“RAPE is a horrible crime. As well as having to endure the attack, which is particularly distressing, many people also suffer shame or embarrassment because of the intimate nature of the crime.”

These are the words of Margaret Shaughnessy, Cheshire’s are manager for Victim Support, an independent national charity helping victims of crime that also campaigns for greater awareness of the effects of criminal offences and increasing rights of victims and witnesses.

Victims need not report a crime to police to get help from the charity and can ask for support at any time, regardless of when the offence happened.

Highly trained staff and volunteers give free and confidential help in the form of information, emotional support and practical assistance to victims of crime, their families, friends and others affected.

Mrs Shaughnessy added: “Victim Support’s only job is to look after victims and witnesses.

“Each situation is dealt with individually and support is given for as long as it is needed.

“This ranges from one-off support over the phone, to longer term help including support for witnesses in court.”

The charity also runs the witness service in criminal courts giving information and support to witnesses to help ease the process of giving evidence, including showing people around a courtroom beforehand to prepare them.

“Other people’s attitude towards rape victims is not always helpful – surveys show there are still those who think that some rape victims ‘ask for it’.”

She added: “The only person to blame for any crime is the offender.”

“Dealing with the criminal justice system also presents special difficulties for rape victims.

“Going to court can be difficult too – giving evidence about such an intimate situation is upsetting for many victims and conviction rates for rape are very low compared to other crimes.

“By calling Victim Support, a rape victim does not need to suffer in silence. Our aim is to empower them so that they feel more confident in dealing with the situation in a way that suits.”