Sexual abuse support

Sexual violence or sexual abuse are ways of describing any unwanted sexual act or activity.

It does not matter who commits it, where or when it happened, it is never okay, and no one ever deserves for it to happen.

If you have experienced sexual violence or abuse there is confidential and independent support available to help you.

Lots of different support is available to help you.

You can:

• tell someone what happened
• get help to access services in your local area
• get emotional support including from trained counsellors and therapists
• get medical support from specially trained doctors, nurses and support workers
• get help to understand how the criminal justice system works

Whatever type of support you choose, you will be listened to and believed.

The first step to reach out for support will be different for everyone.

You can speak to someone over the phone or chat to someone online by contacting the services listed below – you might want to contact one which feels right for you and your needs.

Some of these services only operate in England and Wales. You can read about the support available to you if you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland.

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Local services

The following services have information on their websites to help you find support:

• The Survivors Trust
• Rape Crisis England & Wales
• Imkaan for services which support black and minority women and girls
• Male Survivors Partnership for services which support men and boys

You may be put in contact with, or decide to contact a local rape support centre. These centres offer a range of services. This can include practical support and information, counselling, therapy, group work and advocacy services.

Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs)

You might also hear people talk about Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs).

Sexual assault referral centres (SARCs) offer medical, practical and emotional support 24/7 to anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted or abused.

SARCs are located across the country and are here for everyone, regardless of when an incident happened. They are staffed by health and wellbeing professionals, who can provide support to individuals and arrange counselling and therapy sessions following rape, sexual assault or abuse.

You can self-refer and, unless there is a safety issue, it’s up to you whether to involve the police or not.

Support for sexual violence as a result of domestic abuse

You can also access support if the sexual violence or abuse you have experienced is the result of domestic abuse.

Find out more about the types of domestic abuse support available.

Reporting sexual violence

You may be thinking about reporting what happened to the police.

Your rights and entitlements are set out in full in the Victims’ Code.

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Supporting a friend or family member

It can be really hard to know what to say to a friend or family member who has confided in you about the sexual violence and abuse they suffered.

Guidance on what you might want to say is available from Rape Crisis England & Wales.

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You might be nervous about reaching out for support, and you may find it useful to read about other people’s experiences.

This may also give you an idea of what the next steps might look like.

Remember, there is no right or wrong way to react, think or feel.