Freeva Helpline: 0808 802 0028 | 24-Hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247

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Sexual Violence Support

We are here to support you. We understand what you may be experiencing and we can help.

Sexual Violence Support

We are here to support you. We understand what you may be experiencing and we can help.

The most important thing to remember is that it was not your fault, and you are not alone.

Sexual assault and rape is a traumatic and extremely stressful experience, whether it was by someone you know or a complete stranger.

Every person’s reaction to rape and sexual abuse will be different. A common myth around rape is that everyone will react hysterically or tearfully after the attack. In reality, however, people can experience a mixture of emotions in the immediate aftermath of the attack or in the hours/days that follow.

Our Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs) are specially trained workers who are independent from the police and other statutory services. Our ISVAs offer practical and emotional support to anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted or abused, including grooming, FGM and exploitation (CSE). Whether this happened recently or in the past.

Some of the symptoms you may experience or be experiencing are:

Reporting to the police

You do not have to report to the police to get support from us.

If you don’t want to report, we are here to support you with any emotional needs, guidance, safety planning and help you access any more relevant information.

If you are considering reporting to the police, we can help you understand how the criminal justice process works. We can talk you through what will happen if you do report to the police, what will happen if you report anonymously or the importance and process of forensic DNA retrieval.

*There are times that on our Helpline and in all our Domestic Abuse services, we will report to the police, with or without consent, if the risk to a client, child or third party, is significantly high.

How can we help you?

We are here to listen, encourage and empower you, enabling you to openly express your feelings within a confident and safe setting. We will provide you with information to help in your recovery without overwhelming you. Our ISVAs are there to provide you with information to help you make the right decision for you.

Safety Planning

We will work with you to enable you to feel safe, undertake safety planning and explore all support options open to you.

Medical Support

We work closely with our local SARC team (Sexual Assault Referral Centre) who can help you to access medical support, whether you wish to report to the police or not.

Legal Support

We can help you to explore your legal options, and support you throughout any future court processes.

Support Agencies

We can link you with other support such as specialist counselling and therapy, family related support and also help you to develop support networks.
LimeCulture Logo

Freeva’s Sexual Violence Support service has been independently accredited as meeting the Quality Standards for Independent Sexual Violence Advisor Services, and gained LimeCulture’s ‘Quality Mark’ in 2019.

All ISVAs receive specialist ISVA accredited training to work with survivors of sexual abuse to enable them to support clients effectively. The independent company LimeCulture provides a programme of accreditation and monitoring against Quality Standards to ensure overall quality and consistency of service provision.

How to get help

Our Sexual Violence Support Service is for anyone living in Leicester, Leicestershire or Rutland, who has experienced rape and/or sexual assault. This could be as a result of a recent incident or something that has happened in the past. If you live outside of the Leicestershire or Rutland area, please contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.

Outside of these hours, you can contact the SARC (Sexual Abuse Referral Centre) which has a 24hr voicemail service; please leave a message and your call will be returned – Juniper Lodge SARC – 0116 273 3330.

get help

Looking for support? Call our helpline today.

Get Informed

If you’re not yet ready to speak to someone, we have a range of information and resources available for you to read and use in the meantime.

To refer yourself to our support services, and begin your journey to a brighter future, call 0808 802 0028.

What is Sexual Abuse

What is Sexual Abuse?

In this article, we provide clear and detailed insights into what constitutes as sexual abuse, as well as offering you a guide to recognising key signs and addressing common concerns.

Long-Term Self-Help Tips

A big part of healing and your journey to recovery is having longer term plans in place, whether it’s rebuilding your personal boundaries, or growing your own support network.

healthy-realtionships

Building Healthy Relationships

We know building healthy relationships after abuse can be a challenge, so we’ve put together a guide to help empower you to foster safe and supportive connections.

Are you hurting the one you love?

Explore More of Our

Services for those Affected

Therapeutic Support

Our counselling sessions consist of 6-12 weeks of support, in which we provide an action plan, a positive environment for healing and recovery, and any necessary onward referrals. You’ll complete our counselling sessions with the skills to feel empowered to make independent life choices and any further information you may need going forward. Visit our Therapeutic Support page for further information or call our helpline to get started on your journey to recovery.

Support for Children and Young People

If someone has hurt you, or you’ve been forced to do things that made you feel uncomfortable at any point in your life, we understand how you might be feeling and can offer you support from one of our specialist Children’s Independent Sexual Violence workers (CHISVAs). Independent from the police and social services, our CHISVAs can listen to you, support you and answer any questions that you or your family might have. Visit our Support for Children and Young People page for further information or call our helpline to get started on your journey to recovery.

Support for Parents and Carers

Our specialised service, The YP Project can work with you as a parent/carer to give you the tools and support you need to de-escalate situations in a healthy way, and repair and reconnect with your child again. Using the Non-Violent Resistance (NVR) approach, we focus on your self-care, prioritising behaviours, de-escalation and communication. Visit our Support for Parents and Carers page for further information or call our helpline to get started on your journey to recovery.

Specialist Male Support

If you are male and are experiencing, or have experienced domestic abuse, sexual abuse, rape and/or trauma, we’re here to help. Our specialist workers will discuss all your support options and will act as a point of contact to ensure your support needs are met. Visit our Specialist Male Support page for further information or call our helpline to get started on your journey to recovery.

Specialist BAME Support

Our dedicated BAME support team works alongside our accredited Helpline team to provide support. Our specialist workers will discuss all your options and will act as a point of contact to ensure your needs are met. Visit our Specialist BAME Support page for further information or call our helpline to get started on your journey to recovery.

The Jenkins Project Partner Support Service

For anyone who has a partner, or ex-partner, attending our Jenkins Project programmes, we offer confidential support, and a safe space for you to talk about how you feel and your past experiences. Find out more about our Partner Support Service.

LGBTQ+ Support

We understand the unique challenges that members of the LGBTQ+ community often face, particularly around domestic/sexual abuse, accessing appropriate support and facing stigmas. When you get in touch with us, you will be offered a safe, inclusive space where you will be heard, respected, and understood as you navigate your journey to recovery. Visit our LGBTQ+ Support page for further information or call our helpline to get started on your journey to recovery.

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