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Help after experiencing sexual violence

Whatever the circumstances, nobody has the right to force you to have sex or to touch you in a sexual way. They also don’t have the right to create or send sexualised images without your consent. If this happens to you, it’s important to remember it’s not your fault. All sexual abuse, exploitation or violence can be impactful or traumatising.

Anyone can be sexually assaulted and anyone can commit sexual assault.

Previous participants from our programmes have given us some statements they would like to say to victim-survivors of sexual violence:

“Be gentle with yourself.”

“Take things at a pace that is right for you and to try and be kind.”

“You are not alone, there are groups and people who are there to help you.”

“Take one step a day. Every day might not be good but there is something good in every day.”

“It is hard, it is a journey, but you don’t have to walk it alone.”

Explore the ways we can help below.

Join our bite-size information sessions on topics like the criminal justice system and image-based sexual abuse. We’re always updating our topics to ensure they meet victim-survivors’ current needs.

Our information sessions are delivered over Zoom and generally last up to 30 minutes or less.

Sessions are completely confidential. Your name and details aren’t displayed, and you won’t be able to talk to or receive messages from other attendees. But you can, and are encouraged to, submit questions that can be addressed by our facilitator as part of the session, or privately.

We will not be able to provide responses to specific questions relating to individual cases or provide legal advice.

When you access our services, you may be offered the opportunity to take part in group work with other people who have experienced crime. This short animation explains some of the benefits of group work.

There is not currently a group specifically for male survivors, but we’re continually exploring new methods of delivering our services. You can provide feedback on our services at any time as we’re always looking for ways to improve.

Explore the different groups we run locally by clicking on the other tabs below.

This is an online programme for women aged 18 and over who are victim-survivors of sexual violence. Lancashire Victim Services recognise the effect of sexual violence can impact individuals for years, and the impact isn’t necessarily related to the type of offence. We know that too often individuals don’t feel believed or heard when it comes to their experiences.

We developed weBelieve to create a safe space for women to support their journey forward following sexual violence. It’s a non-disclosure group for victim-survivors of sexual violence. This means the group will not discuss personal experiences of sexual violence. However, it will focus on how it has impacted day-to-day lives.

Six sessions will include:

  • the cognitive and physical responses to trauma
  • strategies for moving forward
  • telling others what’s happened
  • self-esteem and self-care.

This is an online programme to help children and young people (CYP) affected by sexual violence and abuse, including online sexual abuse like sexting, exploitation and grooming.

Our support will help CYP understand it’s not their fault and give them information to understand their rights around their body. There’s also advice about understanding relationships and safety planning without blame.

ourVoice is a non-disclosure group for victim-survivors of sexual violence. This means the group will not discuss personal experiences of sexual violence. However, it will focus on how it has impacted day-to-day lives.

Up to five sessions will include:

  • healthy relationships
  • consent and boundaries
  • online safety
  • coping with difficult emotions and trauma
  • moving forward.

This is for parents and carers of children and young people (CYP), including under five year olds. This group work equips parents and carers with the knowledge and understanding of what their child might be going through and how to respond confidently to this, to enable them to recognise their child’s needs. Participants can attend all sessions or just the session/s they find relevant.

Three sessions will include:

  • disclosures and criminal justice system overview
  • trauma myths and impacts
  • impact on you and your family
  • managing professionals
  • coping strategies, behaviours and moving forward.

Our one-to-one work includes up to 8 to 12 weeks of structured support. Delivered face-to-face and/or over Zoom, telephone, email, SMS or WhatsApp – whatever the victim-survivor prefers. The support will be delivered by an accredited adult or children’s independent sexual violence adviser (ISVA or CHISVA).

Our ISVA/CHISVA will:

  • work with you to develop a personalised safety and support plan
  • be person-centred: they will listen attentively, avoiding interruption, showing empathy and validating the victim-survivors’ experiences
  • provide accurate information about criminal justice processes and about wider services available
  • empower victim-survivors so they can make informed decisions, and rebuild resilience and coping strategies.

Our independent sexual violence advisers (ISVAs) and children’s independent sexual violence advisers (CHISVAs) will provide support to victim-survivors around court, including arranging or attending pre-trial visits. Sitting with the victim-survivor as part of ‘special measures’, and generally providing other support and guidance at this time. They will also work with the victim-survivor to move on after criminal justice processes conclude.

Get help now

We provide support for victims and survivors of sexual violence and domestic abuse. If you need help, you can find out more about the services we offer.

Need help after sexual violence?

Call 0300 1409957 for sexual abuse and violence support, or you can fill out our online form.