JWA’s specialist Sexual Violence Support Service helps Jewish women and girls aged 16+ who have experienced sexual violence, including rape, sexual assault and sexual harassment.
Sexual Violence Support Service
Are you eligible for support?
We recognise that the impact of rape and sexual violence can be long-lasting, and triggered at any time. We know that as a survivor you may have been coping for a while, but now feel it is time to get the support you deserve.
You can come to us however long ago it happened and whoever it was perpetrated by – be it a partner, colleague, acquaintance, family member, stranger, or community member or leader.
We can help you:
- Consider your options
- Get immediate practical and emotional support
- Get advocacy and advice helping you plan for long term safety
- Access advice on welfare, legal and money issues
- Access a safe place to stay
- Get counselling for yourself and therapy for your children
Support can be provided in person, via video link or on the phone.
Reporting rape or sexual violence
If you have just been raped, remember it is not your fault, and you have choices about what you do now.
- You can call the police or the nearest Sexual Assault Referral Centre, or you can call a friend or supportive person or helpline.
If you have just been raped and want to call the police, it’s best not to eat, drink, wash, brush your teeth or have a shower. You should carefully remove your clothes and put them in a plastic bag, as this can be used for evidence. - You can also do nothing, if that is what feels right for you right now – you can report a crime at any time. It can help to get to a place that feels safe, and to call a friend or supportive person.
Evidence such as DNA samples will be better the sooner it is taken. You can have it stored by a Sexual Assault Referral Centre, in case you wish to report at a later date.
Independent Sexual Violence Adviser
Our accredited Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (ISVA) offers support for women and girls who are either considering or are going through the Criminal Justice System.
Our ISVA will offer you support and information around reporting to the Police, liaising with professionals during the investigation, and any court cases or post-trial support.
There is no pressure to report to the Police. This is an independent service offering information and support.
Sexual Violence Counselling Service
Our weekly face-to-face counselling for survivors of sexual violence is person-centred and aims to empower you. We work at the survivor's pace and value them as the expert in their life.
We recognise that the impact of rape and sexual violence can be long-lasting and can be triggered at any time. We also appreciate that as a survivor you may have been coping and surviving for a while, but now feel it is time to get the support you deserve.
We offer short-term sessions for survivors going through the criminal justice process, as well longer-term therapy for those not choosing this route, or who have already been through the process.
Helping someone you know
Contact us to refer someone to our Sexual Violence Support Service, or to discuss your concerns about someone.
Please note that we would only accept a referral with their consent to be referred to our service.
By email: advice@jwa.org.uk
By phone: 0808 801 0500
UK national support services
Rape Crisis Helpline
Call for support if you have been raped, sexually assaulted or sexually harassed and our lines are closed.
The Havens (London Sexual Assault Referral Centres)
Call for support if you have been raped or sexually assaulted and our lines are closed.