SOS RAPE CRISIS
Southend on Sea Rape Crisis provides free, confidential specialist support for all survivors who have been raped or experienced any other form of sexual violence at any time in their lives.
We offer community-based services in Southend-on-Sea, Castle Point, and Rochford.
We understand how difficult it is to take the first step and it can feel overwhelming knowing where to start. Whether it happened recently or in the past, or if you’re not sure what happened, you can find help here to think through your options and next steps. We provide confidential and non-judgemental support for survivors.
SOS Rape Crisis is part of The Synergy Essex Rape Crisis Partnership, comprising of South Essex Rape and Incest Crisis Centre (SERICC), Southend Rape Crisis Centres (SOSRC) and Mid & North Essex Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse (CARA). Each centre is an independent dedicated specialist sexual violence organisations, providing services across the whole of Essex, working with individuals who are suffering or have suffered trauma as a result of sexual violence they have experienced. The partnership works through a community based sexual violence model that is accessible, safe, appropriate and has regard for individual needs from the first point of contact.
POLICE EXPERIENCE SURVEY
- Are you a victim-survivor of rape or sexual assault?
- Have you ever reported the offence to the police?
- Do you want to give feedback on your experience with the police?
Operation Bluestone Soteria is inviting victim-survivors of rape and sexual assault to take part in a survey about your experience with the police. The online survey is completely anonymous.
WHY?
The survey will help us understand how the police process feels to victims of rape and sexual assault. We will use these findings to help police improve.
WHO IS INVITED?
All victim-survivors of rape and sexual assault aged 18 and over whose case the police know about. Your case may have just started, been ongoing for some time, or be closed. We want to listen to all victim-survivors.
WHO IS CONDUCTING THIS SURVEY?
The survey is being conducted by academics at City, University of London, in line with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). If you respond you cannot be identified, and your data will be completely anonymous.
HOW DO I COMPLETE THIS SURVEY?
You can complete this survey online in your own time, at your own pace, and at a place that feels safe and comfortable to you. It should take no more than 15 minutes to complete.
Please Note: This is an academic survey by City, University of London, not by the police. Please do not use this survey to report crime – the survey is anonymous, and we cannot trace you. Call 999 if you are in danger.
OUR 2020 IMPACTS
3719
In 2020 we provided 3719 support session for men, women, young people and children in Southend, Rochford, and Castle Point. These include counselling and advocacy appointments.
799
SOS Rape Crisis supported 799 survivors of sexual violence through counselling and advocacy services. 24 of these were children aged 11years and under. Including 23 men and 3 people who identify as transgender.
95%
From initial engagement to the end of their support at SOS Rape Crisis there was a 95% increase in their confidence and wellbeing.
SERVICE USER FEEDBACK
“My ISVA really helped me getting through the court process because she guided me through each step and explained all the different terminology so I knew exactly what was being said and happening.”
RAPE CRISIS ENGLAND & WALES LIVE CHAT HELPLINE
The Rape Crisis England & Wales Live Chat Helpline is a free, confidential service for women and girls whose lives have been affected by sexual violence.
The Live Chat Helpline operators are there to listen and offer emotional support for up to 45 minutes. You can talk about what happened to you, how you feel, and any difficulties you are facing.
To access the service, or find out more information, including opening times, please visit rapecrisis.org.uk
SOSRC FUNDERS
SOS Rape Crisis policy is not to provide support to people who disclose, or have been accused of or investigated for sexual or violent offences. However, in exceptional circumstances, the centre may decide to offer support to clients who fall into this category. Decisions on whether support will be offered will be made on a case-by-case basis, and will be at the discretion of the centre.