In 1982 a group of women in Inverness started a Rape Crisis Centre to offer support to women who had been raped. 

By 1990, the organisation had evolved into a service which also wanted to offer support to male survivors.  It was the first agency to offer support to both females and males affected in any way by rape and/or all forms of abuse.  The organisation moved to Dingwall and changed its name to the Rape and Abuse Line.

Since that time, RAL has evolved hugely.  Its volunteer numbers are at its highest level, it now has 4 part-time employees to deal with the day-to-day running and the business side of the organisation.  Throughout its development it has never lost its ethos of person-centred listening.  Volunteers are trained to a high standard, and this training is ongoing.  They also receive professional supervision to ensure that they are competent in their work. 
RAL has moved to its fifth office, this has been great for the organisation as it now has 4 rooms for face to face counselling and a training room able to accommodate its ever increasing volunteer work force.

The last year has seen a lot of advancement in the technological side of the organisation.  A new telephone system has been installed which has increased the capacity of the Helplines.  The office is also now much more modern with up-dated facilities.