OVER 60% of women in Glasgow who have been raped have later self-harmed, new figures show.

Almost a third have had suicidal thoughts and 14% have attempted suicide.

New research by Rape Crisis Glasgow has shown the toll that rape and sexual abuse takes on victims long after attacks have taken place.

The charity also revealed it had experienced another surge in calls this year from desperate women.

A total of 464 women were offered support from April to September this year, compared to 295 for the same period last year.

Of those, 40% said they had suffered from depression or flashbacks about the attack, 64.5% had experienced anxiety and 39% had suffered nightmares.

A quarter were affected by eating disorders and 37% said they had suffered relationship problems.

The charity took 2138 calls over that six month period, up from 1985 last year.

Isabelle Kerr, manager of Glasgow Rape Crisis, said more women were coming forward about incidents of rape within relationships.

New figures show the number of domestic rapes have increased by 80%.

She said: "The police are referring women to us more regularly when they go out to victims of domestic abuse, more women are talking about relationship rape.

"It's something we are seeing an increase in.

"Year on year we are seeing a rise in the number of calls. But I think even we were shocked by the number we have taken this year.

"Women often feel they coping, but it's later that they will begin to feel the effects."

The Glasgow charity has launched a new website - www.rapecrisiscentre-glasgow.co.uk - which includes an instant messaging service offering immediate support for women.

The annual Reclaim the Night march - which campaigns for an end to sexual violence - will take place on Thursday November 27 and the crisis centre's new patron, crime writer Denise Mina will speak at the event.

Marchers are asked to gather at the Botanic Gardens at 6pm for a 6.30pm start.

caroline.wilson@ eveningtimes.co.uk