Information on accessing help

As part of the Home Office campaign to tackle violence against women and girls, it has launched the Enough website to provide information on the steps people can take to safely challenge violence against women and girls. The website, which also includes campaign material and where to get help and support, is available here.

Sexual assault referral centres (SARC’s) offer medical, practical and emotional support to anyone who has been raped sexually assaulted or abused. They have specially trained doctors, nurses and support workers who provide a safe space and dedicated care. Help is available 24 hours a day for everyone, whether the incident was recent or non-recent. Individuals can contact their nearest SARC to make an appointment. Further information is available at www.nhs.uk/sarcs.

Following the SARC campaign NHS England ran last year, you can still use the associated assets, which are available on the Department of Health and Social Care campaign resource website (you will need to register for access).

The Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line and online chat is a government funded service run by Rape Crisis England and Wales. The Support Line, which is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for victims and survivors of any gender, can be reached by dialling 0808 500 2222.

Women’s Aid

Domestic abuse: how to get help – GOV.UK

Galop

Galop is the UK’s LGBT+ anti-abuse charity. We work with and for LGBT+ victims and survivors of abuse and violence.

Galop works directly with thousands of LGBT+ people who have experienced abuse and violence every year. We specialise in supporting victims and survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence, hate crime, honour-based abuse, forced marriage, so-called conversion therapies, and other forms of interpersonal abuse. We are a service run by LGBT+ people, for LGBT+ people, and the needs of our community are at the centre of what we do. If you or someone you know needs help, Galop is here for you. There are many ways we can support you.

Visit the site here to access help, or call the helpline on 0800 999 542 Monday – Thursday, 10:00am to 8:00pm & Friday, 10:00am to 4:00pm (Closed on bank holidays).

Independent domestic violence advisor 

An independent Domestic violence advisor is available to support employees of the trust around their experiences of abuse.

To talk in confidence contact the IDVA on

• Mobile: 07896 328 333
• Email: bsol.staff.idva@bswaid.org

Bright Sky

Bright Sky is a free to download mobile app providing support and information for anyone who may be in an abusive relationship or those concerned about someone they know. Further Bright Sky support is also available under ‘Finding calm amongst the chaos’

Ambulance Staff sexual safety support service

A safe place and a listening ear for ambulance staff and student paramedics impacted by sexually inappropriate behaviour or sexual violence.

No matter where or who was involved. When you are ready to talk, TASC’s here to listen and empower you to take back control.

Call- 0333 038 6573

Mon-Fri, 10AM-3PM

www.theasc.org.uk/SafeSpace

Find out more HERE

NHS Support for survivors of sexual abuse and assault

NHS England has launched a national campaign to raise awareness of sexual assault referral centres (SARCs) and encourage survivors of sexual assault and abuse to seek help. 

These specialist services, which are available 24/7 across England, offer specialist care and support to anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted or abused at any time in their life.  This includes crisis care, medical and forensic 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 services and emotional and psychological support, such as counselling. 

Despite these specialist services being available across England, many sexual assault and abuse survivors do not know where to go or who to turn to for help. We also know that some people are put off seeking help due to thinking they need to speak to the police. Help is available from a SARC without having to talk to the police or report what happened. 

Getting help from a SARC 

Access to a SARC is by appointment; individuals can contact their nearest SARC by visiting www.nhs.uk/sarcs.  A SARCs service finder is also available here.

Identifying and Responding to Sexual Assault and Abuse programme 

This e-learning programme provides information and advice for identifying and responding to sexual assault and abuse. The resources are aimed at health and care professionals who may be involved in the care of people who have experienced rape, sexual assault or abuse.

Personal Space

HOW WE TREAT EACH OTHER MATTERS

Invading someone’s personal space can have a bigger impact than you may think.

• When it comes to personal space, not everyone’s boundaries are the same
• Recognising and respecting personal space helps you maintain healthy relationships and a positive professional environment
• Entering someone’s personal space can cause them to feel stressed and anxious and this can lead to tension or miscommunication in the workplace
• Prevent discomfort by maintaining a comfortable distance with your colleagues

Click Here for information about Safeguarding

All forms of domestic abuse are not acceptable in any situation.

If you’re experiencing domestic abuse and feel frightened of, or controlled by, a partner, an ex-partner or family member, it’s important to remember that it’s not your fault and there is no shame in seeking help.

It may seem like a difficult step to take, but there is support available and you are not alone.

Free, confidential support and advice is available to victims and their concerned family members or friends, 24 hours a day.

If you are in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police. If you can’t speak and are calling on a mobile press 55 to have your call transferred to the police. Find out how to call the police when you can’t speak

For free, confidential advice, 24 hours a day contact a domestic abuse helpline.

Household isolation instructions do not apply if you need to leave your home to escape domestic abuse.

Reducing Misogyny and Improving Sexual Safety in the Ambulance Service

There has been a significant focus on wellbeing and mental health within the ambulance service, with production of resources relevant to suicide prevention within the sector. While staff mental health and wellbeing is an issue with many factors contributing to this, one aspect of ambulance culture that has recently come into focus is that related to sexual safety.

This document outlines information gathered during the ‘discovery phase’ of the ‘Reducing Misogyny and Improving Sexual Safety in the Ambulance Service’ workstream.

Read it here.

Links

• Guide and template for developing your own sexual harassment prevention plan (Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission)
• Good Practice Indicators Framework for Preventing and Responding to Workplace Sexual Harassment (Respect at Work, Govt Australia)
• Together, we can stop sexual harassment (British Transport Police)
• Intersectionality as a framework for understanding sexual violence (St Olaf College)
• Guidance on sexual harassment and harassment in the workplace (Equality and Human Rights Commission
• The Anglioni Inquiry

• Sexual harassment in the workplace (CIPD)