Glasgow and Clyde Rape Crisis launches urgent funding appeal

Glasgow and Clyde Rape Crisis (GCRC), Scotland’s largest rape crisis centre, has launched an urgent four-week appeal titled ‘For Her’ to prevent potential service cuts. The appeal coincides with the organization’s 50th anniversary and comes as demand for specialist support reaches historic levels.

Scottish Government figures indicate that 16,430 sexual crimes were recorded in Scotland during 2025-26, the highest level since 1971. Specifically, recorded rape and attempted rape offences reached 3,229, the highest since comparable records began. In Glasgow, a rape or attempted rape is reported to police approximately every 18 hours.

GCRC director Claudia Macdonald-Bruce noted that the system is ‘buckling under pressure,’ with survivors facing significant delays. The center previously reported waiting times of up to 226 days for specialist support and has had to close some waiting lists. The organization estimates the cost of providing specialist help is between £271 and £500 per person.