How we can help

West Midlands Regional Children & Young People Sexual Assault Service

A SARC (Sexual Assault Referral Centre) provides a safe space for anyone who has been subjected to sexual violence and abuse; this SARC provides dedicated care for children and young people subjected to sexual violence and abuse. They offer a range of services, including crisis care, medical and forensic examinations, emergency contraception and testing for sexually transmitted infections. Please click here to explore a leaflet for young people.

How we can help

RSVP have advocates (ISVAs) who are specialists in working with young people who have been subjected to sexual abuse. They will give you both practical and emotional support. They will put you in touch with whoever and whatever you need, like arranging counselling or coming to appointments with you. Your ISVA stays the same person the whole time, so they can build a strong relationship with you. They will listen to you and work out how to support you best. They can also help the family and friends who are supporting you.

Our ISVAs make sure your voice is heard; they will help you understand what people are saying to you and help you say what you want to say. They will make sure your needs are met and that you are listened to.

Some of the things an ISVA will do:

– Ensuring your individual views, wishes and needs are understood, respected and listened to by all the agencies supporting you.

– Answering any question, worry or concern you might have which relates to the sexual abuse you’ve experienced.

– Giving you information and support around the criminal justice system e.g. what happens when you report to the police

– Offering emotional and practical help to ensure you understand and receive your legal rights and entitlements, e.g. special measures in court where you give evidence from behind a screen or via a video link.

– Offering compassionate support to the people who are supporting you, your partner, family and friends, so that they can better support you.

– Talking to school or college for you

– Arranging appointments, referring you, or possibly going with you, to other support services, such as sexual health services, domestic abuse support, and other health appointments.

– Informing you of other options you might have such as Civil Action, Criminal Injuries Compensation and anonymous reporting.

How we can help

Counselling is a safe place where you can talk to people that believe you and care about your feelings. Counselling is one way of talking about how the abuse has affected you, with someone who will listen and give you space to explore the things that are bothering you. Our trained counsellors listen with empathy and sensitivity. They don’t judge; their aim is to explore feelings and to support you in the decisions you make.

If you find it hard to talk, you can use art materials, games or write stories to express yourself.

How we can help

Our trained helpline volunteers are there to give emotional support and information to adult supporters and carers, in the following areas:

– Dealing with the effects of sexual violence and abuse
– Referral to and information about our other services such as social groups, advocacy, counselling, and more
– Services offered by other agencies

For more info on our helpline, click here.

Our webchat is another way of getting in touch with us, for emotional support, information or both.

We offer emotional support and information in the following areas:

• Dealing with the effects of sexual violence and abuse
• Information about our other services such as social groups, advocacy, counselling, and more
• Services offered by other agencies

For more info on our webchat, click here.

How we can help

RSVP have lots of written self-help advice on dealing with the effects of sexual abuse, click here to read.