Over-16s experiencing any form of sexual violence or abuse can seek advisers' help by phone or webchat.
A 24-hour support line launched on Wednesday aims to end the trauma for rape victims of being unable to access help when needed.
A Ministry of Justice official said the service would cost £6.4m over the next three years, employing 24 trained advisers to listen and link people with local services.Over-16s who have experienced any form of sexual violence or abuse at any point will be able to talk to specialists on the phone or via a webchat.
"Making sure that victims of rape and sexual abuse have support whenever they need it is not only the right thing to do, it will also help us to bring more perpetrators to justice," Justice Secretary Dominic Raab said. But Labour shadow justice secretary Steve Reed said the 18-month wait since the government had promised a 24-7 helpline, in its rape-review report, had done "nothing to prevent sexual violence or ensure victims get justice".
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