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Black Country Rape and Sexual Violence Support Service

by Black Country Women's Aid

About our activities / service

We are a skilled and experienced provider of support and counselling services to both male and female survivors of rape, sexual assault and childhood sexual abuse across the Black Country. A team of Independent Sexual Violence Advisers and specialist Sexual Violence Counsellors are on hand to listen, care and support survivors. All services available are delivered at your pace, when you are ready. Black Country Rape and Sexual Violence Service staff will always believe you. What has happened to you is not your fault. No-one ever asks to be raped or sexually assaulted: the blame always lies with the abuser. The following range of services is available: For the survivor We support survivors both inside of and outside of the criminal justice system. Whether or not you choose to report to the police, we can offer: •One to one emotional and practical support •Access to an Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (ISVA) •Counselling •Advocacy, ensuring that your views, opinions, wishes and feelings are respected and listened to by all agencies and people involved •Culturally sensitive services, we respect equality and diversity and are sensitive to the needs of the LGBTT and BME communities •Access to interpreting service •Support through the legal process working within the criminal justice system including police, crown prosecution service, witness care and courts •Support to complete the Criminal Injuries Compensation award For the Partner, Relative or Friend •One to one support: someone to talk to in confidence who will listen to you •Offering guidance on how to navigate difficult situations and emotions and how to access the best support for the survivor •Information to help you understand the impact and effects of rape and sexual violence •Explanations and understanding of the roles and responsibilities of agencies who may be involved in supporting the survivor •Support for both vulnerable and or intimidated witnesses Survivors or those supporting them will not be forced or pressured to do or say anything that they do not want to

Staff qualifications	Staff qualified
Genders	All
Age focus	18 year olds, 19-25 year olds, 26-65 year olds, 65+ year olds

About the organisation

Black Country Women’s Aid is an independent charity which has been supporting victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence in the West Midlands for the last 25 years. BCWA offer sensitive and holistic support services which help victims of abuse to escape from violence, cope with trauma and move on with their lives. Support services include: • Domestic Abuse team supporting victims (female and male) in the community and at court; • Domestic Abuse Refuges offering a safe place to stay for women and children escaping their abusers; • Black Country Rape and Sexual Violence Service supporting victims (female and male) of rape, sexual violence and childhood sexual abuse with practical advocacy and specialist counselling; • Young People’s Team supporting children and young people who have suffered domestic abuse, rape and child sexual exploitation and providing education work in Sandwell schools; • Modern Day Slavery Service offers safe refuge and community support to people under the NRM (National Referral Mechanism) who have been trafficked to the UK; • Women’s Justice Services providing support to female offenders. BCWA also provide training and awareness sessions to professionals and community members across all of these specialist areas. BCWA work in partnership with statutory and voluntary services to support victims, raise awareness of issues of abuse, and develop new approaches to reaching the most vulnerable victims.