Crimestoppers is an independent charity that helps law enforcement to locate criminals and solve ANY/ALL crime. They allow people to contact them and pass on information about crime. You can call them (anonymously, if you wish) 24/7 on 0800 555 111 or alternatively you can send them information via their Giving Information Form. The more they know the more they can do. They will advise you if they feel you would be best served contacting someone else too.
The Havens offer confidential, medical, practical and emotional support to anyone who has been sexually assaulted or raped. They have specially trained doctors and counsellors to care for you. If you are considering reporting the assault to the police too, they will do what is necessary. They can arrange for you to have an informal talk with a specially trained officer who can explain what’s involved (from that point). You can be anonymous if you wish and they will also act on your behalf. This gives people the opportunity to get the incident recorded and gather any evidence but also leaves you totally open to not pursue the matter, if on reflection you feel like it’s something you don’t want to do. You might actually find that you aren’t alone, so any/all information will help.
You must book an appointment and the phone lines are open 24 hours. There are three centres in London:
– Camberwell (south London): 020 3299 1599
– Paddington (west London): 020 3312 1101
– Whitechapel (east London): 020 7247 4787
The Police; Tel 101 or 999 in case of emergency.
If you are considering reporting an assault to the police but are unsure how to approach it then My Decision is a fantastic resource.
The Sapphire Team is the unit of the Metropolitan Police that deal directly with rape and serious sexual assault. Their website has information on how to report an assault, myths about rape and also personal safety advice.
It’s important to note that you can give as much information as you like. You can choose to halt proceedings at any time too. Again, you might actually find that you aren’t alone, so any/all information will help.
The National Rape Crisis Centre deals with offences that have happened in the last 12 months. The London offices treat women and girls only. They have qualified, specially sexual violence therapists, group therapy for individuals, partners, friends and family of survivors and have independent advocates for legal advice.
National Helpline: Freephone 0808 802 9999
National Helpline open every day of the year -12noon to 2.30pm and 7pm to 9.30pm incl. weekends and bank holidays. Confidential, safe, specialist support. Number will not show up on bills including callers from the 6 major mobile networks.
East London Rape Crisis Centre, P.O. BOX 58203, London, N1 3XP
Helpline: 020 7683 1210
Helpline Opening Hours: Monday, Friday and Saturday – 10am to 12pm, Thursday afternoon – 2.30pm to 4.30pm, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings – 6pm to 8pm.
North London Rape Crisis Centre, Head Office, Unit 5-7 Blenheim Court, 62 Brewery Road, London, N7 9NY
Helpline: 0808 801 0305
Helpline Opening Hours: Monday – 10am to 2pm, Tuesday – 10am to 1pm and 6pm to 8pm, Wednesday and Thursday – 1pm to 5pm, and Friday – 10am to 2pm.
South London Rape Crisis Centre, P.O. Box 383, Croydon, London, CR9 2AW
Helpline: 0208 683 3311
Helpline Opening Hours: Mon to Fri – 10am to 6pm (Counselling appointments 9am to 8pm).
Southall Black Sisters supports black and minority ethic communities in dealing with cases of abuse. Tel. 020 8571 0800, Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm or call in at 21 Avenue Road, Southall, Middlesex, UB1 3BL.
Galop is a specialist organisation to support the LGBTQ communities dealing with hate crimes, harassment, domestic and sexual violence. Tel 020 7704 2040
Broken Rainbow is a UK organisation dedicated to confronting and eliminating domestic violence and abuse with and against the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans communities. Their National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans* (LGBT) Domestic Violence Helpline provides confidential support to all members of the LGBT communities, their family, friends, and agencies supporting them. The helpline is run by trained LGBT people and provides a space where you can talk through what is going on, and explore your options. They can:
– Provide confidential information, advice and support
– Help you create your safety plan
– Explore options around housing, legal advice, counselling and local support groups
– Tell you about your local LGBT friendly services
– Discuss the possibility of reporting to the Police
– Their 1pm-5pm Tuesday service is trans specific
Helpline Opening Hours:
0300 999 5428 24hrs (0300 numbers are charged at local rate)
You can also call their freephone number 0800 999 5428
10am – 8pm Monday and Thursday
10am – 5pm? Tuesday and Wednesday
1pm – 5pm Friday
London Friend is the UK’s oldest LGBT charity. They work to support the health and mental wellbeing of the LGB&T community within and around London. They offer counselling and support around issues such as same-sex relationships, sexual and gender identity and promoting personal growth and self-confidence. They’re also home to Antidote – the UK’s only LGB&T drug and alcohol service.
Their services are delivered by trained Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans volunteers.
For more information about their counselling service call: +44 (0)20 7833 1674
You can also check their calendar for community and support groups and drop in on them at:
London Friend main office
86 Caledonian Road
London
N1 9DN
National Ugly Mugs will give advice to sex workers on how to make a report or receive warnings about dangerous individuals: 0161 629 9861
Survivors UK helps men who have been sexually abused and raises awareness of their existence and needs. They do individual counselling and group therapy in Shadwell. Tel 0845 122 1201 Monday and Tuesday, 7pm to 9.30pm, Wednesday 12 to 2.30pm and 6 to 9pm, or Thursday 12pm to 2.30pm
Respect is a UK organisation that works with perpetrators of domestic violence and male victims.
Contact at their London office for general enquiries 4th Floor, Development House, 56-64 Leonard Street, EC2A 4LT or tel. 020 7549 0578
Helpline for Domestic Violence Perpetrators: 0808 802 4040 Mon to Fri, 9am-5pm
Helpline for Male Victims: 0808 801 0327 Mon to Fri, 9am-5pm
NHS 111
Therapists
Pink Therapy is the UK’s largest independent therapy organisation working with gender and sexual diversity clients, including BDSM and polyamory. They have a guide to choosing a kink aware therapist
DK Green is a Pink Therapy counsellor who has been a keynote speaker at the Pink Therapy Conference on BDSM. They have presented at universities, SM Pride, Kinkfest, Polyday and many other events/organisations. They are familiar and experienced with alternative lifestyle choices and identities, therefore (not exclusively) working with clients from the LGBTQ, polyamory, tantra, spirituality and kink communities. Their specialisations include sexuality, gender, abuse, trauma, depression, anxiety, bereavement, relationship issues.
Deborah Fields is a qualified therapist who practices counselling and psychotherapy. She has both professional experience in BDSM/kink and a personal understanding of the lifestyle. She is based in West Sussex but offers both Skype and face-to-face sessions in London and on the south coast.
Su Connan is an Advanced Accredited Sexual Diversity Therapist and sees clients at her clinic in New Cross. She also trains therapists working with issues of sexual diversity. She wrote this cover article for Therapy Today on ‘Understanding the Kinky Client’