A campaign urging rape victims to come forward has prompted the Government to act.

LAST year, Cosmopolitan magazine launched a Please Tell Someone campaign to encourage women to break the silence surrounding rape.

Since then, it has featured stories of women who found the courage to report their attackers and had countless letters from readers who’ve been inspired by their brave attitude. It has also prompted victims to report their rape for the first time.

Now it seems that key decision makers have finally listened as the Government plans to implement a new 24-hour phone helpline. It’ll be based on an existing model in the US and will offer specialist support to victims of sexual violence. Currently this kind of counselling is only available in England for five hours a day.

In this month’s issue of Cosmopolitan, a host of female celebrities say why they support the campaign.

These include Dame Kelly Holmes, Zoe Lucker, Michelle Keegan and Beverley Knight.

Home Secretary Alan Johnson MP said: “Rape is an horrific crime and we have made intense efforts to increase protection for women and to prosecute their attackers.”

SARAH PARISH

“It’s imperative that more victims report rape. We need to make sure that the authorities provide a safe and confidential environment. Often the fear of not being believed or being treated with disrespect outweighs the need to report the offence. Let’s give these women the protection, time and understanding they deserve.”

ZOE LUCKER

“This campaign strikes a real chord with me. For too long, rapists have been getting away with it because the odds of their getting caught are in their favour. One way women can start changing this is by telling someone if it happens to them. Don’t let your silence be a rapist’s best defence.”

DAME KELLY HOLMES

“I think it’s so important for women to be strong enough to shout out against the appalling act of rape so that other women don’t suffer. We shouldn’t be afraid to talk about rape – it mustn’t be pushed behind closed doors.”