Supporting survivors of sexual violence

What is sexual violence?

(Kelly, 1988) "surviving sexual violence" it “. . . includes any physical, visual, verbal or sexual act that is experienced by the person, at the time or later, as a threat, invasion or assault, that has the effect of hurting them or degrading them and/or takes away their ability to control intimate contact”.

Can be contact activities i.e. sexual assault, exploitation, female genital cutting or non-contact activities i.e. stalking, sexual harassment, cyber harassment. Indecent exposure.

What are the impacts of sexual violence?

Behavioural/social i.e. Difficulties attending medical visits/procedures, difficulties with relationships, need/desire to move out of the area, homelessness, loss of status or income, coping strategies (substances, alcohol, food, self-harm), isolation from peers, social life, family, losses of community and/or faith.

BUT post-traumatic growth and the strength in overcoming adversity, self-awareness, empathy and sensitivity to others.

Physical i.e. Injuries, bodily/somatic memories, medical issues (fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue- connected to hypervigilant state leading to exhaustion), physical pain, sexually transmitted infections/diseases (STIs) and Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs), pregnancy, impact of coping strategies (injuries from self-harm, impact of eating disorders, substance and/or alcohol misuse).

Psychological i.e. PTSD- flashbacks, panic attacks, hypertension, dissociation -'mental flight when physical flight is not possible', disrupted sleep, nightmares, phobias, guilt/shame/self-blame feelings of hopelessness, depression, suicidal thoughts, feelings of hopelessness, depression, feeling undeserving of support, isolation, loss of concentration, anger/rage, skewed sense of reality.

Referral pathways & support

For immediate support - Sexual Assault Referral Centres 

Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) offer dedicated care and support to anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted, or abused at any time in their life and are available to call 24 hours a day across England.

SARCs provide a range of free specialist care, treatment and support to people of all ages, whatever their sex, sexual orientation or gender identity. 

This includes:

• Immediate emotional support
• Medical and forensic examinations
• Emergency contraception
• Testing and assessment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV. 

They can also arrange referrals to sexual health, mental health and sexual violence services as well as support from an independent sexual violence advisor (ISVA). 

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. People can also be put off seeking help due to thinking they need to speak to the police. Help is still available from a SARC without having to talk to the police or report what happened. 

Individuals can contact a SARC 24 hours a day, every day of the year, to book an appointment.   

To find your nearest SARC, visit here. For more information on help following sexual assault and abuse and SARCs, visit here.

The closest SARC in Brighton & Hove is The Saturn Centre - West Sussex SARC (Crawley Hospital, West Green Drive, Crawley, West Sussex RH11 7DH). For advice or appointments, you can phone any time: 0330 223 0099

For more information about The Saturn Centre, visit here.

Brighton & Hove Sexual Health & Contraception Service (SHAC)

The Brighton & Hove Sexual Health & Contraception Service (SHAC) offers support to anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted. Their clinics offer sensitive and confidential support and advice.

You can speak to one of our health advisers on 01273 523 388 (option 2) and they can help you find the most appropriate appointment.

For more information about SHAC and the support they offer, visit here.

Survivors’ Network

The Survivors’ Network is the Rape Crisis Centre for Sussex, based in Brighton.

Information above has been provided by the Survivors’ Network, so for further guidance and support, please contact their team or utilise their resource library. 

• Welcome team
• Helpline & email service
• Independent sexual violence advisor (ISVA) service
• Counselling
• Group work
• Children and young people service (including specialist ISVA, counselling and outreach services)
• Resource library 

You can also make a referral through the Survivors’ Network. Their self-referral form can be accessed here.

Step 1: make a referral

Individuals can contact Survivors’ Network by completing the referral form, by calling 01273 203380 (voicemail service), or emailing: info@survivorsnetwork.org.uk 

Referrals can be made by the individual themselves, or by a trusted third party (such as a friend, partner, or family member) on their behalf, provided clear consent has been given. If consent is not clearly stated, the referral cannot be progressed.

Step 2: referral acknowledgement

Once the referral has been processed, an acknowledgement will be sent. This will be sent by email where an email address has been provided, or by text message if not.

Step 3: contact from a welcome worker

Shortly afterwards, an allocated Welcome Worker will make contact using the individual’s preferred method (text, email, or phone call) to arrange an initial appointment. This appointment provides an opportunity to ask questions, discuss support needs, and explore available support options.

Step 4: initial appointment

Initial appointments can take place face to face at the Survivors’ Network office, by phone, or via video call - depending on what feels most comfortable and accessible for the individual.