The People Who Support You
When you contact our service or visit one of our centres, you may meet some of the following professionals. Every person in our team is specially trained to support, listen, and guide you through this difficult time.
Crisis Support Worker
Your main point of support during your visit. They will:
- Welcome you at the door and stay with you the whole time.
- Explain everything at your pace and help you decide what happens next.
- Offer emotional support and talk through any concerns.
- Arrange follow-up care, including counselling or medical referrals.
Medical Team
- Check for any injuries and provide treatment.
- Offer emergency contraception, pregnancy testing, and STI screening.
- Explain every step clearly and only proceed with your consent.
- Arrange follow-up medical care if needed.
Specially Trained Police Officer
If the police are involved, you may meet a Specially Trained Police Officer who will:
- Transport you to and from the centre if the assault happened recently.
- Stay on-site but not be in the room during your support session.
- Answer any questions about the police process.
Specialist Nurse
At our Nottingham centre, nurses help support you through the medical examination. They also:
- Provide advice over the phone before and after your visit.
- Offer support and reassurance during any tests or treatment.
- Train other professionals in sexual assault care.
Young Person’s Advocate (ChISVA)
A Children’s Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ChISVA) can help you with legal and emotional support. They are independent of the police and courts and can:
- Keep you informed about the investigation process.
- Help you prepare if you need to go to court.
- Provide practical and emotional support throughout the legal process.
Therapeutic Support Worker
We offer specialist therapy to help you cope with what has happened. A Therapeutic Support Worker can:
- Provide up to 10 therapy sessions, including talking therapy, art, or drama therapy.
- Help with stress, nightmares, anxiety, anger, self-harm, depression, or suicidal thoughts.
- Refer you to specialist services like CAMHS if additional support is needed.
What If I Don’t Want to See the Police?
That’s okay; It’s up to you if you don’t want to talk to the police. Remember the officers are specially trained to support you.
What If I’m Not Ready to Talk?
That’s okay, too. If speaking is difficult, we can start by asking questions, or you can listen until you feel ready.
Where We Are
- Nottingham: Queens Medical Centre, Derby Road, NG7 2UH
- Northampton: Serenity, Highfield Clinical Care Centre, Cliftonville Road, NN1 5BU