Sexual Abuse
If you’ve been the victim, please report rape or sexual assault as soon as possible. Even if you’re not 100 per cent sure, Police would rather sooner hear from you so that they can make sure you’re safe. If you’re not ready to talk to the police just yet, that’s OK. Below you can find a range of places to get support, advice and medical help.
You can speak to these organisations in confidence and what you tell them won't be shared with the police unless you ask for it to be.
Independent sexual violence advisors (ISVAs)
Independent sexual violence advisors (ISVAs) work with adults and children who have experienced sexual violence and their families to get them access to the services they need.
You can talk to an ISVA without talking to the police.
You can access ISVAs through sexual assault referral centres (SARCs). SARCs have specially trained doctors, nurses and support workers on hand 24 hours a day, offering medical, practical and emotional support to anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted or abused.
Find your local sexual assault referral centre.
Other useful links
The charities, groups and organisations below can also provide specialist information and support.
Synergy - Essex partnership of rape crisis centres. Every victim of rape will be contacted within 24 hours of reporting. Synergy provides confidential advice to all victims so that you can make your own choice about what support you require.
Oakwood Place - sexual assault referral centre in Brentwood.
Cara Essex - centre for action on rape and abuse, with branches in Colchester, Braintree, Chelmsford, Clacton-on-Sea, Great Dunmow and Harwich.
South Essex Rape and Incest Crisis Centre - includes phone counselling and one-to-one help.
Victim Support
A national charity dedicated to helping anyone affected by crime – not just victims and witnesses, but friends, family and anyone else caught up in the aftermath.
24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line
Provides free, specialist and confidential support for victims of sexual violence or abuse. Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Visit 247sexualabusesupport.org.uk to chat online or find out more. Delivered by Rape Crisis England & Wales, funded by UK Government.
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.
Safeline
A specialist sexual violence and abuse charity led by the needs of its clients.
The Survivors Trust
Provides specialist support for women, men and children who have survived rape, sexual violence or childhood sexual abuse.
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
0808 801 0327
Confidential helpline for men experiencing domestic violence from a partner or ex-partner (or from other family members).