DORSET Rape Crisis Support Centre has reported a 50 per cent rise in the number of victims contacting them for help - and it could be due to Broadchurch.

The charity said between January and May there were 104 calls last year but 156 calls this year.

Service manager Helen Stevens believes the charity's involvement in Broadchurch raised its profile, there is greater awareness through publicity and social media, there is an increased awareness due to high profile cases as well as good partnership working with agencies and professionals.

The service has now recruited more Helpline listeners to its team of more than 20 volunteers.

The charity supports anyone living, working or studying in Dorset who has ever experienced any form of sexual violence in our lives.

She said: “We are absolutely delighted to see the team grow and develop.

“We are dependent on our volunteers to ensure this service is available to those who need it. Our volunteers receive six days of training for becoming Helpline Listeners to help prepare them with the skills they need. People call our Helpline for support and advice, for signposting to our other specialist services and often just to have someone to talk to and someone who will listen.”

The Helpline number is 01202 308855.

For more information about the charity or to find out about volunteering opportunities contact Helen Stevens on 01202 308840 or go to dorsetrapecrisis.org.