More than half of people do not come forward for help after experiencing sexual assault or abuse. The NHS want to make it clear: turn to us – we are here.
Sexual assault and domestic abuse can affect anyone. It may occur as an isolated incident or as part of a recurring pattern of abuse by someone you know. Unfortunately, many people are unsure of where to seek help and support. Fortunately, there are numerous services available to assist individuals dealing with either or both of these issues.
Data from the last few years finds that of over 4,000 respondents in England finding that over half of respondents (56%) who have been sexually assaulted or abused did not seek help from any organisation or service after the incident, and 46% citing fear of being believed as the biggest barrier to not accessing services.
Nearly half (44%) of those responding also say they don’t know or aren’t sure where to get help if they had been sexually assaulted, and 72% are currently unaware of the support available via the NHS.
What is domestic violence and abuse?
Domestic abuse is defined as a pattern or series of incidents involving controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading, or violent behaviour, which often includes sexual violence. This behaviour is typically exhibited by a partner or ex-partner, but it can also come from a family member or caregiver. Unfortunately, domestic abuse is quite common.
Domestic violence manifests in various ways, such as psychological, physical, sexual, and verbal abuse. Individuals of any gender can be responsible for this violence. It can happen in any workplace and sector, impacting people in both public and private environments. As a result, there are various services available that are dedicated to helping victims of domestic abuse.
What is rape and sexual assault?
- The legal definition of rape is when a person intentionally penetrates another’s vagina, anus or mouth with a penis, without the other person’s consent.
- Assault by penetration is when a person penetrates another person’s vagina or anus with any part of the body other than a penis, or by using an object, without the person’s consent.
- The overall definition of sexual or indecent assault is an act of physical, psychological and emotional violation in the form of a sexual act, inflicted on someone without their consent. It can involve forcing or manipulating someone to witness or participate in any sexual acts.
- Not all cases of sexual assault involve violence, cause physical injury or leave visible marks.
Further information is available at What is rape and sexual assault? | Metropolitan Police
SARCs
The NHS has an ongoing campaign to raise awareness of sexual assault referral centres (SARCs) – specialist NHS services that provide a safe space and dedicated care for anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted or abused and are here for everyone, regardless of when the incident happened.
These centres are located across the country and offer specialist practical, medical and emotional support 24/7.
These services are commissioned by NHS England and NHS Improvement and police and crime commissioners. SARCs offer a range of services, including crisis care, medical examinations, emergency contraception and testing for sexually transmitted infections. They can also arrange access to an independent sexual violence advisor, as well as referrals to mental health support and voluntary sector sexual violence support services.
Sexual assault referral centres also have forensic medical examination facilities, should you wish to report the assault to the police or are considering doing this, once you’ve had time to consider your options.
If you refer yourself to a SARC and are considering reporting the assault to the police, the centre can arrange for you to have an informal talk with a specially trained police officer, who can explain what is involved and next steps.
Specially trained advisers are also available to you through the criminal justice system if you decide to report the assault to the police. They can also support you through the trial, should the case go to court.
To find out more about how SARC’s can help you check out the video below.
Please be aware that women are not the only ones that can be targeted by sexual assault. Recent research commissioned by Mankind UK in 2021 found that:
- Half of men have had unwanted sexual experiences
- 1 in 7 men had been coerced into sex
- 1 in 10 men had experienced rape or non–consensual penetration
Research also suggests that boys and young men are less likely to report abuse and exploitation, and they remain underrepresented in specialist services and underreported within criminal justice services.
Men are also less likely to speak to close social contacts. The ManKind Initiative helpline have reported 61% of the men who call have never spoken to anyone before about the abuse they are suffering (Statistics on Male Victims of Domestic Abuse – Mankind)
Anyone can be a victim of sexual assault or abuse. If you have been sexually assaulted or abused, whether as an adult or a young person, it is important to remember that it wasn’t your fault. Sexual violence is a crime, no matter who commits it, when or where it happens. Don’t be afraid to get help.
If you have been raped, sexually assaulted or abused and don’t know where to turn, search ‘sexual assault referral centres’ to find out more or head to nhs.uk/SARCs to find your nearest service.
You can contact a sexual assault referral centre to make an appointment or ask someone else, such as a healthcare professional, charity, friend or family member to do this for you.
To find out more and to hear about others’ experiences with SARCs please click on the video below:
#Ask For Angela
Are you on a date that isn’t working out, leaving you uncomfortable or frightened?
Is your tinder date not as they described on their profile?
Does it all just feel a bit weird and like somethings just not right?
We all try our best to stay safe when we’re out, but sometimes unexpected things happen or situations turn sour, and we may need some extra help. #Ask For Angela is a scheme that started in 2016 and is used by bars and other venues nationwide to keep people safe when they are in danger or are in an uncomfortable situation. Whilst not all premises operate the #Ask For Angela scheme many do and you can usually see their posters in the toilets advertising their participation.
If you find yourself in an unsafe situation or feel uncomfortable, look for a staff member at the venue and “ask for Angela.” This code phrase lets staff know that you need assistance with your situation. A staff member will discreetly help you, which may include reuniting you with a friend, escorting you to a taxi, or contacting venue security and/or the police for more serious matters.
This program is designed to help everyone, regardless of gender, and you can find posters in all restrooms throughout the establishment.
To find out more about the scheme and how it works please visit the #Ask For Angela Home Page HERE or watch the video below.
These Apps can also, help you to raise the alarm if you’re in a vulnerable situation. Always better to be prepared.
- Help me Angela App – Connects you to a 24/7 live Personal Safety Specialist who will provide you with the assistance you need to help you feel safer.
- WalkSafe – Allows you to share your location with your trusted friends. Your location will update in real-time allowing your loved ones to keep you safe on your journey. You can download the app from Apple Store and Google Play.
- Hollie Guard – With a simple shake or tap Hollie Guard is activated, immediately notifying your chosen contacts, pinpointing your location and sending audio and video evidence directly to their mobile phones.
Further Support
While some services, such as Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs), are specifically designed to provide comprehensive support for individuals who have experienced sexual assault, it is important to note that there are numerous other services available that address domestic abuse as well. These services offer a range of support options, including crisis hotlines, counselling, legal assistance, and safe housing. Many organizations provide specialized programs tailored to the needs of survivors, ensuring they receive the appropriate emotional and practical support necessary for their recovery. Whether seeking help for sexual assault, domestic violence, or both, there are resources available to empower individuals and facilitate their healing journeys.
Please check the links below to explore other avenues of help available.
Female Rape and Domestic Abuse Support
- National Domestic Violence Helpline – This freephone 24 hour helpline, run in partnership between Women’s Aid and Refuge, is a national service for women experiencing domestic violence. The helpline can give support, help and information over the telephone. All calls are completely confidential. Live chat is also available. Telephone: 0808 2000 247
- Women and Girls Network – Offers immediate, free and confidential specialist emotional support for women and girls who have experienced recent or historic sexual violence and abuse. Also provides information and signposts to sources of advice about the legal, housing, medical and benefits systems. Advice line is also open to professionals who need support on cases related to gendered violence. Telephone: 0808 801 0660 or email advice@wgn.org.uk
- Refuge – UK charity providing specialist support for women and children experiencing domestic violence. Runs a range of specialist services to help survivors access safety and rebuild their lives. Creates bespoke support plans. Services include refuges providing emergency temporary accommodation; outreach workers that support women in the community; independent advocacy; culturally-specific services and gender-based violence services. Telephone: 0808 2000 247
- Women’s Aid – National charity working to end domestic abuse against women and children. Live chat helpline and survivor’s forum, information and support including refuge accomodation, downloadable resources including survivor’s handbook. Email helpline@womensaid.org.uk
- Bright Sky app – A safe, easy to use app and website that provides practical support and information on how to respond to domestic abuse. It is for anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or who is worried about someone else. Bright Sky helps you to spot the signs of abuse, know how to respond, and help someone find a safe route to support. Free to download: Bright Sky on Apple Store Bright Sky on the App Store Bright Sky on Google Play Bright Sky – Apps on Google Play
- Cohort 4 – Cohort 4 is a peer support organisation for women based in North Warwickshire. It is a non-profit social enterprise made up of women who all have experience of abuse, criminal justice and mental health issues. Women decide what they need and when they need it, to enhance and reinforce their confidence and well being in the community of North Warwickshire, which covers Tamworth, Atherstone, North Warwickshire villages, Nuneaton and Bedworth.
Male Rape and Domestic Abuse Support
Gender Neutral Rape and Domestic Abuse Support
- IDAS
- Galop -LGBTQ+ – National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans Domestic Violence helpline provides support to LGBT people suffering domestic abuse. Phone: 0800 999 5428.
- Police and Crime Commissioner Warwickshire
- RoSA – RoSA is an independent charity working throughout Warwickshire, offering free confidential support for anyone who has experienced rape, sexual abuse, or sexual violence. Phone: 01788 551151.
- Safeline – Safeline is a specialist charity providing a range of services across Warwickshire to support all survivors of rape and sexual abuse. Phone: 01926 402498 (or text 07860 027573).
- Child Exploitation – Children and young people have a right to be safe and should be protected from all forms of abuse. It’s everyone’s responsibility to spot the signs of child exploitation and protect children and young people in Warwickshire. Visit the Something’s Not Right website for information and details of support available.
- Domestic Abuse Counselling Service (DACS) – The Domestic Abuse Counselling Service (DACS) offers counselling to both female and male victims of abuse in Nuneaton, North Warwickshire and Stratford upon Avon. They offer a perpetrators programme in Nuneaton.
- Family Intervention Counselling Service – The Family Intervention Counselling Service run a number of courses for perpetrators of domestic violence, their partners and children in South Warwickshire.