Sexual Violence

What is Sexual Violence?

Sexual violence is any behaviour or act of a sexual nature which is unwanted and takes place without consent or understanding. This includes but is not restricted to: rape, sexual assault, sexual abuse, sexual harassment, rape within marriage/relationships, forced marriage, female genital mutilation, so-called honour-based violence, trafficking and sexual exploitation

Sexual violence can happen to anyone abuse regardless of age, race, income, religion, belief, sex, disability, culture or sexual orientation.

The person who commits the assault is always to blame for making the choice to commit assault.

You are not alone. Help and support is available.

If this is happening to you, there are things you can do to help keep yourself safe. Click here to find out how.

  • How to get help

    HOW TO GET HELP

    The Police

    You can report rape and sexual abuse in the following ways:

    Remember to always to call 999 if you or someone else is in immediate danger.

    Specialist Services

    If you’ve been affected by sexual abuse or violence there is a specialist rape and sexual violence abuse service for anyone in Sussex provided by Survivor's Network.  To make a referral online: www.survivorsnetwork.org.uk or by email: referrals.sn@survivorsnetwork.cjsm.net  or please call: 01273 203380. For general enquiries email: info@survivorsnetwork.org.uk or for further information: Home - Survivors Network

    Other local services include:

    • Mankind, who offer support to men who have been sexual abused. Call 01273 911680.
    • The Saturn Centre, which is the Sussex Sexual Assault Referral Centre, offers free support and practical help to anyone in Sussex who has experienced sexual abuse. If you would like to speak to someone the Saturn Centre is available 24/7 on 0800 033 7797.

    Children

    Find out about the support available for you and your family and how to get the help you need. Contact the Early Help on 01273 292632

    If are a member of the public and are concerned about a child's welfare, please contact the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) on 01273 290400

    Adults

    Report abuse or neglect of an adult online or by calling Access Point, the contact centre for Adult Social Care services, on 01273 295555.

    Nationally

    Rape Crisis

    Freephone 0808 802 9999

    Rape Crisis England & Wales is the national umbrella body for our network of autonomous member Rape Crisis Centres across England and Wales and was set up to support their specialist work. www.rapecrisis.org.uk

    SurvivorsUK

    0203 598 3898

    SurvivorsUK helps men who have been sexually abused and raises awareness of their needs.

    www.survivorsuk.org

    SupportLine

    01708 765200

    A confidential emotional support to children, young adults and adults by telephone, email and post for all genders.

    www.supportline.org.uk