​Sexual assault and rape is a traumatic and extremely stressful experience, whether it was by someone you know or by a complete stranger. The most important thing to remember is that it was not your fault and you are not alone.

This service is for anyone, male or female, living in Leicester, Leicestershire or Rutland aged 13+ who has experienced rape and/or sexual assault. This could be as a result of a recent incident or something that has happened in the past.

Sexual assault and rape is a traumatic and extremely stressful experience, whether it was by someone known to you or a stranger. Every person’s reaction to rape and sexual abuse will be different. A common myth around rape is that everyone will react hysterically or tearfully after the attack. In reality however, people can experience a mixture of different emotions in the immediate aftermath of the attack, or in the hours/days that follow.

Some of the symptoms you may experience or be experiencing are:

· Constant anxiety
· Fear and shock
· Being on edge and easily startled
· Nightmares
· Sleeping and/or eating difficulties
· Feelings of shame and self-blame
· Health related issues

What support the Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) can provide.

Our Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVA) are specially trained workers who are independent from the police and other statutory services. The role of an ISVA is to offer practical and emotional support to anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted or abused, including grooming, FGM and exploitation (CSE). Whether this happened recently or in the past.

You do not have to report to the police to get support from an ISVA. We can help those who are not reporting to access support for their emotional needs as well as help with safety planning.

We can help you understand how the criminal justice process works, such as what will happen if you report to the police, what will happen if you report anonymously or the importance and process of forensic DNA retrieval.
The aim of our work is to listen, encourage and empower you, enabling you to openly express your feelings within a confident and safe setting. We will provide you with information to help in your recovery without overwhelming you. An ISVA is there to provide you with information only so that you can make the right decision for you.

Our ISVA team undertake accredited training and will provide you with independent, impartial, professional and confidential support tailored to your immediate and varied needs. We can support you as follows:

Crisis support to help you feel safe if you are in immediate danger, support you to move if required.
With medical examinations, other health needs and housing where necessary.

We can liaise with the police only if you want to report and support you through the investigation
Explore your legal options and support you throughout the court processes.

We can link you and your children with other support agencies such as specialist counselling and therapy, family related support and also help you to develop support networks.

Call us on 0808 802 0028 for support our Helpline is open between 8am and 8pm Monday to Saturday. Outside of these hours you can contact the SARC (Sexual Abuse Referral Centre) which has a 24hr voicemail service please leave a message and your call will be returned – Juniper Lodge SARC – 0116 273 3330

Referrals are also accepted from professionals and we aim to respond to all referrals and enquiries within 48hrs. In an emergency please contact the police on 999 and you will be supported by a specialist trained police officer from the SIGNAL team.

LEAFLETS & INFORMATION

Freeva is full accredited with LimeCulture, an Independent Accreditation Programme of quality standards for the support of  Survivors and Setting standards for Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (ISVA) services.  We have a dedicated specialist ISVA service to support Male Victims, Victims with Learning Disabilities and Victims from the LGBTQ+ Community.