The service for Cheshire
Being a victim of any kind of crime can be frightening and upsetting. Rape and sexual assault are particularly distressing crimes for the victim and the effects can be long-lasting and require specialised support to help victims to be able to cope and to work through to recovery.
The Rape And Sexual Assault Support Centre (the RASASC) provides the aftercare service to current and non-recent victims of sexual assault, rape or sexual abuse across the whole of Cheshire in community based locations.
Working closely with the RASASC is St. Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) in Manchester who provide forensic care and initial support. Following on from this initial care, Cheshire residents will be offered a community based Aftercare support which includes Independent Sexual Violence Advisors and Counselling.
Families and Carers
Support is also available for friends, families and carers of someone who has been abused or assaulted, be it telephone interventions, ISVA support or specialist counselling.
Accessing the services
You can contact RASASC or St Mary’s SARC for care and support regardless of whether you want to report to the police or not. There is also no time limit on when something happened; it does not matter how long ago it occurred or what happened, you are entitled to support.
For more information, contact RASASC on 0330 363 0063 or SARC on 0161 276 6515.
Support includes:
Counselling and therapeutic work:
• Specialist counselling for people who have experienced rape or sexual abuse including women, men and young people
• Pre-trial counselling
• Group work
Independent Sexual Violence Advisor Service (ISVA):
• Information about the criminal justice system
• Support and help through the criminal justice system
• Support to apply for criminal injuries compensation
• Information and advice about health and social options
• Emotional support
• Highlighting need and referring onto other agencies
• Liaising with other agencies involved e.g. Independent Domestic Violence Advocates (IDVA)