Domestic and sexual violence and abuse is never acceptable. You are not alone and it is not your fault. People of any gender can be victims of abuse.
If you, or someone else, is in danger, you should call 999 immediately and wait in a safe place until help arrives.
There are lots of services that can offer support, locally and nationally. You can make an appointment with your GP or local sexual health service to talk about what is happening and the support available. There is also support available through schools, local groups and charities.
Local Services:
- The Bridge – Help after rape and sexual assault – Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC)
- Home – Next Link – provides a range of domestic abuse support services to women, men and children. These include safe houses, children and young people’s services, dedicated services for survivors who are black or from a minoritised community, dedicated services for LGBTQ+ survivors, group work, resettlement and outreach services, and a crisis response service
- Safe Link – transforming victims’ lives – provide support for anyone (women, men children) who has been the victim of rape and sexual abuse, irrespective of whether they have reported to the police, across the whole of Avon and Somerset area
- SARSAS Support for people affected by rape or any kind of sexual assault or abuse at any time in their lives. Helpline and chat services: I need help – SARSAS
- Home – Womankind Bristol – supports women in the Bristol area with professional counselling, group psychotherapy, befriending, and a helpline service.
- Sexual Health service – Abuse – What help is available? | Unity Sexual Health
National Services:
- 24hour free National Domestic Abuse helpline – Homepage – National Domestic Abuse Helpline
- 24hour free National Rape Crisis helpline – Rape Crisis England & Wales
- For young people –Abuse: Can be physical or sexual but it can also be less obvious
