Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse (CARA)

CARA was established in 1989 as Colchester Rape Crisis Line and has developed into a specialist organisation working with adults, young people and children of all genders who have experienced sexual violence or child sexual abuse. From its base in Colchester and outreach locations across Essex, CARA provides independent specialist services, promotes survivors’ rights and works to improve understanding of sexual violence and abuse.

CARA is one of the three organisations that make up Synergy Essex, alongside SERICC and Southend-on-Sea Rape Crisis. Together they have developed shared approaches to first contact, access and specialist service delivery across Essex. CARA is engaged in Survivors at the Centre, bringing more than three decades of local practice, learning and survivor-informed expertise into the regional programme.