Advocacy service

The Survivors’ Network advocacy service is a place of practical support for women who have experienced rape or serious sexual assault.  Our advocates are professional, caring women who have had specialist training and developed in depth knowledge and experience. Whether your concern is around housing or health or if you are considering reporting an incidence of sexual assault to the police our advocates can offer support and advice.

If you would like to know what might happen in any legal processes or have reported to the police and are unsure what is going on our Independent Sexual Violence Advisor can offer information and support. She will be able to explain the legal system to you and any special measures that you might be entitled to. She can help you to understand what is available to you and how it might help you and she can accompany you to any meetings that you might have to attend.

If you want to talk to someone about accessing support with health needs, sexual health screening or contraception then our advocates will be able to make fast track referrals to health services.

The staff in the advocacy service can also explain other specialist services and make referrals to housing options team and other city wide service providers depending on your needs.

The advocates here can also explain about counselling and emotional support options available at Survivors’ Network and other services across  the city.

This service is free of charge and independent from other services.  This service will keep brief anonymous records of who uses the service for data monitoring in accordance with our Home Office requirements.  Information may be shared about the numbers of women using this service with our funders and stakeholders. For more details about our confidentiality policies or if you have any questions or concerns please contact the office and ask to speak to Ruth.

To get in touch with one of our advocates please contact the office on 01273 203380.