What is Sexual Violence?
Sexual violence is any unwanted sexual act or activity. If someone intentionally grabs or touches you in a sexual way that you don’t like, if you’re forced to kiss someone or do something else sexual against your will, this is sexual assault.
If you are forced to have sex with someone, or someone has sex with you without your consent or agreement, this is rape.
If this has happened to you, it is important to remember that it is not your fault. No-one ever asks to be raped or assaulted or deserves it. Rape and sexual assault are criminal offences, and the blame lies with the abuser.
In an emergency, contact the police on 999
Where can I find help & support?
Contact Numbers: 07973550789 & 07387544558
Support for women, children and men who have experienced rape, sexual violence and childhood sexual abuse. Support is available whether the abuse happened recently or years ago, and whether or not you choose to report what happened to the police. We can never take away what happened, but there is life after rape and sexual abuse
Contact: 0121 553 0090
The ISVA is there to make sure that victims of sexual abuse have the best possible practical advice on what counselling and other services are available to them, on the process involved in reporting a crime to the police, and on taking their case through the criminal justice process, should they choose to do so. If you have experienced Sexual Violence you can contact the ISVAs using the number below.
Contact: 0121 553 0090
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Black Country Women’s Aid (BCWA) Children’s Services
BCWA offer a range of support for children and young people who have been affected by: teenage relationship abuse, domestic abuse in the home; rape and sexual violence; and child sexual exploitation.
BCWA also carry out a range of prevention and awareness raising work in schools and communities through our TRAPPED, VIVA and Inside Out programmes
Contact: 0121 553 0090
Going through rape or sexual violence can make you feel very isolated and even ashamed of what has happened to you. Being in a group where others have had similar experiences can really help. There is no pressure to share your own experience if you do not feel ready; our support groups offer a safe and supportive space where you feel you are not alone.
A friendly weekly group offering regular wellbeing activities such as mindfulness, discussions, and group support.
isva@blackcountrywomensaid.co.uk
Contact: 0121 553 0090
Horizon Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) provides people who have experienced rape and sexual assault within the West Midlands with support and advice to assist in their recovery. We aim to provide you with information about the options available to you and will support you in the decisions that you make. The SARC is a dedicated service available to everyone; women, men, children and adolescents and covers the area of the West Midlands including Birmingham, Solihull, Sandwell, Dudley, Coventry, Walsall, Wolverhampton and their surrounding areas.
Contact details:
24/7 Self-referral line
0808 168 5698
Professionals enquiry number
01922 646709
Horizon SARC
2 Ida Road
Walsall
WS2 9SR
Domestic Violence & Abuse
Domestic abuse is behaviour from a family member, partner or ex-partner that:
- is controlling, coercive, threatening, violent or abusive
- happens between people aged over 16
Domestic violence and abuse can happen to men or women.
If you’re a woman you can call the National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247
If you’re a man, you can get help from the Men’s Advice Line on 0808 801 0327
National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans Domestic Abuse Helpline 0800 999 5428
Sandwell Council’s Advice on Support Available in Sandwell
STalking & Harassment
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Crisis Messenger
Crisis Messenger provides free, 24/7 crisis support across the UK. If you’re aged 25 or under, you can text THEMIX to 85258
text and email support service runs Monday to Friday from 7pm to 9pm for girls and women aged under 25. Text them on 0780 047 2908.
is an online community where you can get peer support for self-harm and other mental health problems.
Under 19? You can get confidential help with self-harm from ChildLine – either over the phone or through an online chat.
selfharmUK provides information and advice about self harm. You can ask a question to their expert panel or share your story.
Other Help
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Samaritans
Samaritans – 116 123 https://www.samaritans.org/
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Childline
Childline – 0800 1111 https://www.childline.org.uk/
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Black Country Healthcare
Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust – crisis team Black 0121 543 4100
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Papyrus
Suicide helpline – 0800 068 4141 https://www.papyrus-uk.org/
