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.
COVID-19 RESPONSE
2020 has been a difficult year due to COVID-19, through these challenges we have been able to develop our specialist services and systems so we are still able to provide our essentials services within our communities. We can now provide all appointments using secure online virtual rooms, email counselling, telephone, and face to face. We understand that it is not always possible for all of our Service Users to be able to access a suitable space to engage in online or telephone support. In these circumstances, we will always do our best to provide a safe space for you to access your appointments (we will always follow Government Guidance to ensure your safety). Our Independent Sexual Violence Advocates are still able to provide face to face support if you are attending court or police stations. As we continue to develop our essential services with the help of our funders and supporters we hope to ensure that your needs are met. If you have any suggestions or if you have used our services during COVID-19 or previously we would love to hear from you.
*Please note we will NEVER use your name or any other personal information that could identify you if you wish to share your story with us – thank you
If you are a professional who has used SOSRC or SYNERGY ESSEX services and would like to provide feedback, it would be great to hear from you.
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.