Sexual abuse is any unwanted sexual act or activity. There are different kinds such as sexual assault, rape, female genital mutilation and sexual exploitation.
Talking about a sexual abuse can be difficult. It’s completely up to you whether you decide to report it to the police. If you do, they will do everything they can to make sure you get the right care and support. Whatever you decide, there are specialist organisations that can help and support you.
Safeline
Call Safeline on: 01926 402 498
Safeline is a specialist charity that works to prevent sexual violence and abuse and support those affected to cope and recover.
It provides specialist, tailored support for anyone in Warwickshire affected by or at risk of sexual abuse and rape, that empowers them to make choices about the lives they want and helps prevent abuse. They can:
- provide prevention/early intervention services
- provide counselling and therapeutic support to survivors of sexual violence and abuse
- provide independent, non-judgmental emotional and practical support to anyone who has experienced historical or recent sexual violence and abuse
- provide education, training to prevent and address sexual violence and abuse
Blue Sky Centre
The Blue Sky Centre is Warwickshire’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre (or SARC for short), based at the George Eliot Hospital in Nuneaton.
Sexual assault referral centres offer medical, practical and emotional support to anyone who has been sexually assaulted or raped.
The centre provides a service to men and women who have experienced rape or sexual assault. All Blue Sky Centre clients are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of gender identity, age, ethnicity, ability or sexuality.
The centre has specially trained support staff and doctors and nurses to care for victims. You can self refer to the centre for advice, support and a forensic medical examination (if applicable). If you are considering reporting the assault to the police Blue Sky’s staff will explain the process and what would happen and support you to report. Or they can share anonymous information with the police on your behalf. They can also arrange ongoing support from an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (see below), counselling and sexual health follow up services.
Children and Young People Sexual Assault Service
Call the West Midlands Children and Young People Sexual Assault Service (CYPAS) on: 0330 233 0099
CYPAS specialises in helping children and young people who have experienced any form of sexual abuse including rape.
It provides medical care and support to children, young people and their families or carers across the West Midlands region.
The service is commissioned by NHS England and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner contributes towards the paediatric service in Warwickshire.
Other organisations who can help
The following charities, groups and organisations can also provide specialist information and support.
Rosa – Rape or Sexual Assault Support
Independent charity offering Free confidential support for anyone who has experienced the trauma of rape, sexual abuse or sexual violence.
Victim Support
A national charity, funded in Warwickshire by the PCC, dedicated to helping anyone affected by crime – not just victims and witnesses, but friends, family and anyone else caught up in the aftermath.
Rape Crisis
A national charity offering confidential help, advice and a range of Rape Crisis Centres around the UK.
Galop
A national charity providing advice and support to members of the LGBT community.
Survivors UK
A national charity supporting men who have been raped or sexually assaulted.
Crimestoppers
A national charity with a free helpline for reporting crime anonymously.
Refuge
Refuge supports women, children and men with a range of services, including refuges, independent advocacy, community outreach and culturally specific services.
Women’s Aid
Women’s Aid is a national charity working to end domestic abuse against women and children.
Men’s Advice Line
Confidential helpline for men experiencing domestic violence from a partner or ex-partner (or from other family members).
