Survive Sexual Assault & Abuse Service

Staffordshire Survive provides a free, non-judgmental and confidential service for adults, children over the age of 4, and close family members/significant others who have been affected by sexual assault or abuse at any point during their lives
in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.

We are proud to deliver the Survive Service in partnership with Savana and Pathway Project.

What is sexual assault or abuse?

Sexual assault or abuse is any unwanted sexual act or activity. Sexual assault or abuse can happen to anyone. No-one ever deserves or asks for it to happen – it is never your fault.

There are many different types of sexual assault or abuse, including:

Rape, child sexual abuse, sexual harassment, rape within marriage or relationships, forced marriage, so-called honour-based violence, female genital mutilation, trafficking, sexual exploitation and ritual abuse.

Sexual assault or abuse can be perpetrated by a stranger, or by someone known and even trusted, like a friend, colleague, family member, partner or ex-partner.

Survive

Our service is independent from the Police and Social Services – our role is to support you. We aim to contact all referrals to the ISVA service within 48 hours. You can choose if you would prefer to see a male or female ISVA/Counsellor.

Our services include:

Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVA) and Children’s Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (CHISVA)

Providing practical help, advice and emotional support. This also includes support to navigate the criminal justice system for victims who have reported to the police.

An ISVA/CHISVA will:

• support you to have your voice heard

• help you feel empowered to make choices that feel right for you

• accompany you to important appointments and court, if that is what you want

You do not have to have reported an incident to the police to access the ISVA/CHISVA Service.

Support for Family Members and Significant Others

This service provides practical and emotional support to people who have been impacted by any form of sexual abuse against a close family member or significant other. It helps to meet the needs of victims and their families, providing accurate information on criminal justice processes, victims’ rights and referring to other agencies as appropriate.

Counselling

Our team of qualified counsellors provide therapeutic counselling, for both adults and children over the age of 4, who have experienced sexual assault and abuse at any point during their lives. Counselling enables you to acknowledge your experiences and express your feelings in a safe and supported environment.

Counsellors at Staffordshire Survive are all qualified to diploma level or above and receive regular clinical supervision to ensure that they work safely and to the highest possible standards.

We can provide an ISVA/Counsellor from the LGBTQIA+ community upon request for adult clients.