Victims and survivors of domestic abuse
Victims of Rape or Sexual Assault
If you are looking for support following sexual assault, abuse or rape this guide will help you understand what support is available to you. Being a victim of rape, sexual assault or abuse is a traumatic experience. Help is available, whenever and wherever the offence occurred or if you are still experiencing abuse. It is never too early or too late to ask for help. You do not have to report the crime to the police to get support.
Following sexual assault, abuse or rape there is support available whether or not you wish to report the incident to the police. Within 7 days of the incident you can contact the SARC who are able to capture forensic evidence and provide emergency contraception, but, the most up to date information is available on their website SARC or by calling their number: 0330 223 0099
Other types of support are available for when the incident occurred more than 7 days ago and this guide provides a comprehensive list.
You are not obliged to report what has happened to the Police in order to seek support and the local Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) can explain this in more detail. For those who do wish to report to the police, you are eligible to access support from an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA). The ISVA service is funded by the Ministry of Justice and provided by Coventry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre CRASAC
There are also specialist services for those under the age of 18 which are listed towards the end of this document.
LOCAL SUPPORT
Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC)
Our local centre is the Blue Sky Centre. It is based at the George Eliot hospital. It has details for support around non-recent events depending on whether or not you wish to report to police, emergency contraception or medication if you have been exposed to STI’s (see above).
Coventry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre CRASAC
Our local service, CRASAC has had to temporarily close their list to new referrals for one to one counselling. This does not affect those who are already known to CRASAC or their ISVA service provision.
NATIONAL SUPPORT
The “Gov.uk” page which sets out what national support services are available following rape/sexual assault. This includes a service for men: https://www.1in6.uk/ and https://safeline.org.uk/ser vices/national-male-helpli ne/
Services for men and non-binary people:
Services for black and other minority ethnic communities
GALOP - Provides a free, confidential and independent service for all LGBTQ+ people who have experienced any form of sexual assault, violence or abuse, regardless of when it happened.
EMOTIONAL AND MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
NHS 111 - people who are experiencing a mental health crisis can call 111 and choose the ‘mental health option’ will be put through to a member of Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust’s local crisis service. Anyone can call for themselves or someone else can call for them, for example a friend, carer, family member or GP. NHS 111 is for all ages, including children and young people and those with neurodevelopmental needs.
Mental Health Access Hub on 08081 966897
Safe Haven Coventry and Warwickshire Crisis de-escalation and peer-support
Mental Health and suicide prevention Support directory
REMEMBER – If you are in danger or need medical help call the Police 999.
Samaritans - 24 hours, 365 days a year. Call 116 123 for free.
For people who are deaf or have hearing loss, the following link to be connected to local crisis service – NHS 111 – SignVideo
Children and Young People Services aged 17 and under
The West Midlands Regional Children and Young People Sexual Assault Service
Our regional service cares for children from birth to 17 years old and 18 to 25-year-olds who present with complex needs.
Our helpline 0330 233 0099 is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Call now for referrals, making appointments, advice and support.
Contact your GP surgery, support worker or other professional worker that may be already supporting you.t
EMOTIONAL AND MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
Childrens mental health directory - this takes you to the Coventry City Council website
Children and young people aged under 18 who are feeling low, anxious or stressed or are having a difficult time coping, should contact or visit Dear Life : Support for young people for details organisations which can help.
General mental health support aimed at Young People Kooth
Regional Children and Young People Sexual Assault Service
Whether you have experienced sexual abuse in the past or it is still happening, Childline offers a free and confidential helpline 24 hours a day.
You can also use the Ask Sam service to send a message through their website and talk about anything you want without anyone knowing who sent it.
NAPAC offers support to adult survivors of all types of childhood abuse, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, narcissism and neglect. Phone: 0808 801 0331
REMEMBER – If you are in immediate danger or need urgent medical help call 999.