Definitions
What is Rape?
Rape is now classified as penetration by the penis of somebody's vagina, anus or mouth without their consent. Rape can be committed against men or women, but since it involves penile penetration it is only committed by men.
What is Sexual assault?
Any sort of sexual activity that is forced on another person without that person's consent is an indecent assault, and a criminal offence. It includes touching any part of the body clothed or unclothed either by bodily parts or using objects. This can include penetration.
Who can be raped or sexually assaulted?
Any woman or man can be raped, sexually assaulted or sexually abused, no matter what age, race or religious background, regardless of the circumstances.
Is it common to know your attacker?
A large number of victims are raped by someone they know. Most women would not go near a stranger, but they feel at ease with a man they know. The majority of rape assaults are carried out either at the victim's or assailant's home.
What are flashbacks?
Many women who are survivors of any form of sexual violence experience flashbacks at one time or another. Flashbacks are temporary states of remembering something painful or traumatic which has been hidden for quite some time in the subconscious mind. During a flashback you may feel as though aspects of the rape or sexual assault are actually happening to you now. The duration of a flashback differs and could last from a few seconds to a few hours.
Counselling
What is counselling?
Counselling is a safe space in which to explore your experiences and feelings, in your own time and way. Counsellors are there to listen and support you, not to give advice or tell you how you should feel and what you should do.
Are the counsellors professionally qualified?
Yes. All our paid counsellors hold a minimum qualification to Postgraduate Diploma level. We are an Organisational member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and adhere to strict ethical guidelines within practice. All counsellors receive regular supervision with an external supervisor in line with BACP regulations. All our unpaid volunteers either adhere to the above or are on placement with us during their second year of their diploma.
What counselling model do you use?
Primarily the counsellors work in a humanistic way. This means that they are non-judgmental and non-directive in their approach. Please talk to your counsellor to explain her approach.
Do you have a waiting list?
Yes. The waiting list can fluctuate throughout the year but we aim to see a woman for their initial assessment within a maximum of three months, although this is normally sooner. We offer two crisis sessions for women who need support whilst on the waiting list.
Is the service free?
Yes. The centre receives grants so that we can offer a free service to you. However if you are able to make a donation however small then we welcome you to do so.
How long will each counselling session last?
Usually one hour.
Can I bring someone with me?
Yes but they would need to be female and wait in the waiting room whilst your session took place. If you would like someone in the room with you for support you should discuss this with your counsellor.
How do I book a counselling session?
All new clients will be invited to attend a mutual assessment session with one of the counsellors. This gives you the opportunity to ask questions you might have before coming for counselling.
It also gives the counsellor information and clarity to ensure that we are the correct service to meet your needs at this time and, if not, to sign post you on if required. This is not a formal "assessment" but we do ask a bit about your history and it may last up to one hour.
Will I be seen by the same counsellor each week?
Yes. We always allocate one counsellor to one client. However the counsellor you see for your assessment may not be the same counsellor you see for your face to face counselling sessions.
What if I don't get on with my counsellor?
We appreciate that everybody is different and likes different styles of working. If you are not happy with your counsellor then it is possible to change to a different counsellor.
How long will counselling last?
Each counselling session will be approximately an hour. We offer women up to 16 counselling sessions to start with. These can be extended over a longer period of time if this is felt necessary.
Can I change my mind about counselling?
It is your choice whether you come for counselling or not. It is ok to change your mind. We just ask that you try to let us know in advance if you are canceling a session to give another woman an opportunity to attend counselling in that time slot.
