Have you experienced sexual assault, abuse or rape at any time in your life?

We can help you

Our Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs) offer confidential and independent advice, practical and emotional support.

If you choose to talk to us, we can:

  • Support you to start putting your life back together
  • Liaise with sexual health, police and other partners if you choose
  • Provide a safe space to talk about what has happened
  • Give advice and advocacy with any housing, financial or benefit need
  • Be your point of contact with other agencies including social care and health
  • Talk to your employer
  • Support you and your family
  • Give information on follow up services
  • Refer or signpost you to counselling or mental health support

If you want to report to the police we can give support with making a statement, assist with claims for compensation and give support before, during and after the court process. You do not have to report to the police to access the service and the sexual abuse or violence could have happened recently or in the past.

No matter how long ago it happened, we can help you.

ISVAs can support you by offering:

  • One to one support in person or by telephone
  • Peer support groups
  • Use of email, text, Zoom, Teams and WhatsApp

It’s not just you

Rape and sexual assault happen far more often than statistics indicate. It happens in all communities and cultures. Many victims do not seek help because they feel ashamed or afraid of being blamed for what has happened. The person who abused you may be part of your family or someone you thought you were safe with and you were told never to say anything or you would be punished.

But that’s not the case

  • You do not need to keep it a secret
  • You are not on your own

The most important thing to remember is that it was not your fault.
We will always believe you.

This abuse should not have happened and the blame belongs entirely to the person who abused you.
You deserve the very best possible help and support.
The next step is to get help and contact us.

You do not have to report to the police

It is your decision whether or not to report the attack to the police. You can still get our help and all our services are available to you. If you are not sure what to do call us and we can talk it through.

If you do want to report to the police

  • We can support you while you make your statement
  • We can speak to the police if you would like us to
  • We can assist with claims for compensation around criminal proceedings
  • We can help support you going to court
  • We will provide ongoing help, support & advice throughout and after the court process

Whatever you decide

Talking in confidence about your experience to our trained and accredited Safe Link workers, although sometimes difficult and painful, can help you come to terms with what has happened and begin your journey of recovery. We will support you to cope with what happened and help you recover and get your life back.

We are here to help

  • What happened to you should not have happened
  • You do not need to keep it a secret
  • You are not on your own
  • You can talk to us in total confidence

Our service is free

  • You can just talk to us once or if you want we can give ongoing support

We can come to you or you can come to one of our hubs across Avon and Somerset near you.

How you can contact us

Tel: 0333 323 1543

Email: [email protected]

“I really couldn’t have made it through the court process with the courage and bravery I did, without her being by my side and being my cheerleader. Her professionalism throughout always made me feel like I was in the safest and most knowledgeable hands.”