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National Treasure Drama Series

If watching the new Channel 4 drama series ‘National Treasure’, has brought things up for you, Safeline can support you.

Some survivors of sexual abuse and rape may suffer in silence for many years and we appreciate how difficult it can be to reach out for support.  Here at Safeline we support men, women and children who have been affected by sexual abuse and rape and we also support their families and friends.

If you need support or advice you can contact our National Safeline Helpline where you can talk through how you feel at your own pace and if you need to, we can help you find your closest SARC (Sexual Assault Referral Centre) and your nearest ISVA (independent sexual violence advisor).  Many towns and cities have SARC and ISVA services and they would be able to support you through the whole process of collection of evidence and offer advice if you would like to report what’s happened to you or not.

SEXUAL ASSAULT REFERRAL CENTRES (SARCs)

A SARC provides services to victims of rape or sexual assault regardless of whether the victim reports the offence to the police or not. Their main role is to facilitate forensic examinations and in many cases they are able to keep your forensics safe until you feel to report to the police. They will also make sure that screens and tests are carried out so that your mind will be put at ease about things like blood-borne viruses and pregnancy.

SARCs are designed with the needs of victims of these kinds of crimes at the forefront of their mind. They are created to be comfortable and multi-functional, providing private space for interviews and examinations, and some may also offer counselling services. Sexual Assault Referral Centre’s have specialist staff that are trained to help you make informed decisions about what you want to do next.

National Treasure Drama - Press

National Treasure is based on Operation Yewtree a police investigation carried out in 2012

INDEPENDENT SEXUAL VIOLENCE ADVISORS (ISVAs)

Many specialist support agencies offer an ISVA service to victims of rape and sexual assault. The ISVA role was commissioned by Baroness Stern through the Home Office Violent Crime Unit in 2005. Safeline ISVAs can work with ages 3+ and support victims across all genders, cultures and capabilities, with both recent or historic offences and ISVAs work for as long as is required with clients going through the legal process.

An ISVA is trained to look after your needs, and to ensure that you receive care and understanding. They will help you understand how the criminal justice process works, and will explain things to you, such as what will happen if you report to the police.  The key to an ISVA is that they are there to make sure that there is someone you can talk to INDEPENDENT from the legal process who can give you a clear view of all the options. They work with you during the legal process offering all sorts of emotional support and practical advice and can even be with you in Court so that you are not on your own.

An ISVA is there to provide you with information only, and you are not expected to report any offence to the police.  If you would like further information you can Email our Independent Sexual Violence Advisors for guidance about reporting historical abuse at office@safeline.org.uk

For emotional support or advice please contact Safeline on:

General Helpline: 0808 800 5008

Male Helpline: 0808 800 5005

Young People’s Helpline: 0808 800 5007

Or email us at support@safeline.org.uk

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