Sexual Violence – LGBT Foundation https://lgbt.foundation A national charity with LGBTQ+ health and wellbeing at the heart of everything we do. Tue, 06 Aug 2024 15:28:39 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.2 https://lgbt.foundation/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/cropped-Untitled-design-44-32x32.png Sexual Violence – LGBT Foundation https://lgbt.foundation 32 32 From Report to Court https://lgbt.foundation/help/from-report-to-court/ Mon, 17 Jul 2023 16:20:39 +0000 https://lgbt-foundation.local/?post_type=ht_kb&p=510

In order for you to make an informed decision and consider your options, we want to provide you with the steps from reporting through to court.
Our ISVA service can support you throughout. 

Initially, the police will want to know: 

  • WHO DID THIS? 
  • WHAT HAPPENED? 
  • WHERE DID IT HAPPEN? 
  • WHEN DID IT HAPPEN? 

You may not know the answers to all the questions but any details are helpful. Your case will be assigned to a specially trained police office whose priority is your welfare. The police may then arrest the suspect and they will investigate the incident.  

An officer will be assigned to the case who will be your single point of contact throughout the investigation. They will then ask you to complete an Achieving Best Evidence (ABE) video interview to recount the incident. 

Once the investigation is complete, the police will send it to the Crown Prosecution Service for a changing decision. The case may then be sent to court.  

If you need to give evidence in court, there are multiple special measures which can be requested in order for you to be able to give your best evidence.  

Special Measures in Court

Special measures are tailored to the needs of the witness for them to be able to give their best evidence and are applied for ahead of court.  

Special measures for sexual offences can include: 

  • Giving evidence via live video link 
  • Giving evidence in court from behind a screen 
  • Pre-recording your interview with the police which will be played in court 
  • Video recorded cross examination 
  • Giving evidence in private by having the public gallery cleared. 
  • The removal of wigs and gowns by judges and lawyers 
  • Assistance of a Registered Intermediary to further the understanding for those who have difficulty communicating.   

We are here to empower you throughout your journey and our ISVA can work with you continuously from report to attending court.

REFER TO OUR SERVICE
]]> Sexual Assault Referral Centre https://lgbt.foundation/help/sexual-assault-referral-centre/ Mon, 17 Jul 2023 15:48:26 +0000 https://lgbt-foundation.local/?post_type=ht_kb&p=505

The Greater Manchester SARC is:

Address: The Old St Mary’s Hospital, York Pl St, Oxford Rd, Manchester M13 9WL 
Hours:  Open 24 hours 
Phone: 0161 276 6515 

You can attend the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) for a forensic medical examination following a sexual assault.  

A forensic exam is carried out by a specially trained doctor or nurse and these samples can be used as evidence in court if you choose to report. These samples can be stored at the SARC until you have decided on your next steps.  

SARC can also offer tests for sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy; provide emergency contraception, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and a Hepatitis B vaccination, following a recent sexual assault. 

GREATER MANCHESTER SARC WEBSITE
]]> Your Reporting Options https://lgbt.foundation/help/your-reporting-options/ Mon, 17 Jul 2023 15:08:01 +0000 https://lgbt-foundation.local/?post_type=ht_kb&p=508

Our ISVA service is here for you even if you don’t report to the police. We can provide emotional and practical support and make onwards referrals.

Two people outside camera frame holding shoulder of woman in green t-shirt, trying to comfort.

When you are ready you could: 

  • Report to the police via 101 or online – A specially trained police officer would make contact and take some details. Later, you would complete a video interview (Achieving Best Evidence interview or ‘ABE’). The police would then carry out an investigation and may make an arrest. 
  • Our ISVA can support you to provide anonymous intelligence to the police via 101 or Crimestoppers. 
  • If the incident took place within a different organisational or institutional setting – for example, at university, in the workplace or a religious institution – other reporting options are available.

There are multiple options available to you if you have experienced sexual violence. We are here to support you to explore these and through each step of whatever you want to do. 

If you are not yet sure whether you want to report a sexual assault, you may find talking to an ISVA helpful. We will explore options with you and support whatever decision you make. 

REFER TO OUR SERVICE
]]> LGBTQ+ Independent Sexual Violence Advisor https://lgbt.foundation/help/lgbtq-independent-sexual-violence-advisor/ Mon, 17 Jul 2023 14:26:58 +0000 https://lgbt-foundation.local/?post_type=ht_kb&p=502

SEXUAL VIOLENCE SUPPORT:

WE’RE STANDING BY YOUR SIDE

Talking about sexual violence requires strength.

Whether you report to police or not is up to you.

Our compassionate team is here to support you with your choices.

REFER TO OUR SERVICE

Our Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) can provide support and information to people who have experienced sexual harm, helping with emotional, practical and legal needs.

An ISVA works separately from the police or legal system, focusing solely on supporting the survivor.

HOW WE CAN SUPPORT YOU

  • Explore Your Reporting Options

We’ll guide you through how to report to police or other organisations, and talk you through what happens next and the criminal justice process.

  • Stand By You

We’ll be by your side, liaising with the police, witness care, the Crown Prosecution Service and other agencies to keep you informed.

  • Advocate For Your Rights

We ensure your voice is heard and help you understand your rights, choices and options, inclusing compensation, appeals and complaints.

  • Connect You With Services

We can refer you to therapy, sexual health clinics, substance recovery groups, and more.

REPORTING OPTIONS
SEXUAL ASSAULT REFERRAL CENTRE
FROM REPORT TO COURT

WHAT CAN I DO IF I HAVE BEEN SEXUALLY ASSAULTED? 

If you have been sexually assaulted recently you can go directly to a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC). 

SARC can complete a forensic exam and collect evidence which can be stored until you’re ready. 

If you are in immediate danger, you should always call 999. 

Think you might need support from us?

Complete our self-referral form today
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