A range of support services to meet various needs
All our services are clearly defined in terms of what they offer, where and to whom.
We believe
Support
An adult does not need to report to the police to get support
Responsibility
Responsibility always sits with the perpetrator
Drugs/Alcohol
Drug or alcohol consumption does not make a survivor responsible
It can happen
Sexual violence can happen in any relationship
You can say no
Someone always has the right to say no or withdraw consent, no matter what
Counselling Line
Our Helpline offers emotional support to anybody, aged 13 and over, who has experienced any type of sexual violence or for those concerned about a friend, partner or family member.
You can call our Counselling Line on 0115 941 0440 during the times below. When you call us, we will be able to listen to and support you and guide you to the best services for you.
| Day | Opens | Closes |
| Monday | 4.00 pm | 7.30 pm |
| Tuesday | 4.00 pm | 7.30 pm |
| Thursday | 10.00 am | 1.00 pm |
| Friday | 10.00 am | 1.00 pm |
| Saturday | 10.00 am | 1.00 pm |
Outside of its opening hours, you can leave a message on our answerphone (which also provides details of other services) or you can phone the 24hr Domestic and Sexual Violence Helpline on 0808 800 0340. You can also click here to get a full list of resources. If you have experienced a recent assault and need help now, please click here.
Email support
Sometimes it can feel difficult to pick up the telephone. Sometimes writing down your thoughts and feelings can help you better understand them.
If you would like to email us or receive email support you can contact us at support@nottssvss.org.uk
Anyone who has been affected by sexual violence, now or in the past, can contact us. We also offer support to friends, family or partners of survivors of sexual violence.
Counselling
Our counseling service is offered to anyone aged 13+ in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire who have experienced any type of sexual violence, whether recently or in the past.
We can offer short-term or long-term counselling, for survivors aged 13 and over in the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire area, who have experienced any type of sexual violence.
Counselling offers a safe and non-judgmental environment in which you can begin to express and explore your thoughts and feelings in a way that may not be possible with family or friends.
Counselling can enable you to feel less isolated, to gain understanding and find inner strengths which can assist in re-gaining control of your life.
Sexual Assault Referral Centre
If you are 18 or above and you are not sure whether you want to report to the Police or not, you can go to Nottinghamshire Sexual Assault Referral Centre (The Topaz Centre).
The Topaz Centre is in a discreet location easily accessible by public transport and by car.
It provides a multi-agency support to survivors of rape and sexual assault in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
The Topaz Centre won’t pressure you into reporting to the Police, however, young people aged 13-17 can only access The Topaz Centre facilities through a police referral.
ISVAs
Independent Sexual Violence Advisors
Our ISVA service offers practical support to anybody aged 13 and over who has experienced sexual violence. They can assist you in understanding your rights and the services you can access.
If you choose to report to the police, the ISVA can accompany and support you through this and any subsequent Court proceedings. They can also help with practical matters, such as housing, benefits, health services etc.
If you do decide to report the matter to the Police, your ISVA will help you through the whole legal process, including liaising with the Police and any criminal justice proceedings.
This may include:
- Liaising with the Police, Courts, Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and other public agencies
- Keeping you informed of developments in your case
- Advocating on your behalf
- Supporting you before and during any court case
Support
For partners, carers and family members.
If someone close to you has experienced a sexual assault, this can be a very difficult time for you. We can provide you with a range of information and can support you over the Counselling Line or we can arrange six sessions of face to face counselling.
Our support can assist you in working through your feelings and emotions, together with any concerns or questions you may have. We can look at ways you can support your partner/family member so that you are in a better position to manage your own feelings as well as support the person close to you.
Group Support
We offer Group Work in the form of a Support Group called “Beyond Survival” which runs for 8 sessions periodically throughout the year.
Beyond Survival is a free eight-week course run for survivors who have experienced rape, sexual abuse or any kind of sexual violence.
The aims of the Group are to gain self-acceptance, self-assertion, build trust in self and in others, to experience more fulfilling lives and to meet fellow survivors and share experiences.
Session content includes themes such as:
- Safety and strength
- Self-care
- Anger and empowerment
- Trust and moving forward
Mindfulness
A five week course to help you support yourself after therapy
Our Mindfulness course is a free, five week course designed for clients who have already received therapy to work through their traumatic experiences. It involves elements of meditation, of being able to focus on the here and now and of paying attention to both our thoughts and our feelings.
Research suggests that with frequent practice, the part of the brain that sends messages of anxiety and distress slows down, and the part that sends messages of calmness and comfort to the body becomes more active.
By then end of the course, you will:
- have practiced some of the different ways to be mindful
- have experienced some of the benefits of being mindful
- be able to practice mindfulness on your own
Creating Safety
An online programme for survivors of sexual violence.
Creating Safety is an online resource for survivors of sexual violence. It includes some reading, exercises and homework to practice what you have learned during the week. There are also some poems and quotes to help offer inspiration and different perspectives.
The programme is designed to fit into six weeks, but you can work at your own pace and leave bits out or use the materials in the way which feels right for you. Whilst the programme is designed for you to use on your own, our helpline staff are familiar with it and can provide additional support should you require it.
Downloads:
Training and Talks
We offer a popular programme of training delivered each year to other professionals and organisations on the impact of rape and sexual violence. We also provide lectures, talks and presentations.
News, Briefing & Reports
RESOURCES
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