Sexual violence is any unwanted sexual act or activity. It can happen to anyone regardless of Age, Gender or Sexuality.
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If someone intentionally grabs or touches you in a sexual way that you don’t like, if you’re forced to kiss someone or do something else sexual against your will, this is sexual assault.
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If you are forced to have sex with someone, or someone has sex with you without your consent or agreement, this is rape.
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If this has happened to you, it is important to remember that it is not your fault. No-one ever asks to be raped or assaulted, or deserves it. Rape and sexual assault are criminal offences, and the blame lies with the abuser.
REPORTING
WEST MIDLANDS POLICE: Call 999 in an emergency. For all other matters please visit WMPolice Online:
https://www.west-midlands.police.uk/
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EMERGENCY SMS SERVICE FOR DEAF, HARD OF HEARING AND SPEECH IMPAIRED PEOPLE
In an emergency you can use your phone to contact the emergency services by texting 999.
You MUST register your mobile phone number before using this service. Just send the word ‘Register’ in a text message to the number 999 and follow the simple instructions you receive back.
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DUDLEY SINGLE POINT OF CONTACT (SPOC): CALL 01384 455411 - it's a direct line to a range help and support services for domestic and sexual violence and abuse victims
The SPOC is a single point of contact for Dudley victims of domestic and sexual violence and abuse, including Forced Marriage and ‘Honour’ Based Abuse.
The number gives those who need help a direct line to a range of support services offered by specialist providers including refuge accommodation or additional home security.
The number is also be open to victim's families and professionals and helps people get to the right service as easily as possible as and when support is needed.
The single point of access works in line with Safelives Standards and West Midlands Domestic Violence and Abuse Standards
You can also now Text or WhatsApp on 07384 466 181 – messages checked 9am-9pm Monday-Friday except bank holidays (messages received at other times will be responded to within these hours)
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DIRECTORY OF SERVICES RELATING TO SEXUAL ABUSE
This document provides details of specialist services for sexual abuse in Dudley borough.
It can be used if you know what type of support you or another individual require, however, we recommend that you
call the SPOC (above) to ensure that you receive the most appropriate specialist service.
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USEFUL LINKS
BLACK COUNTRY WOMEN'S AID SEXUAL VIOLENCE SERVICE
Black Country Women's Aid support women, children and men who have experienced rape, sexual violence and childhood sexual abuse https://blackcountrywomensaid.co.uk/services/rape-sexual-violence-services/
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ASK MARC
Ask Marc offers men living In the Black Country specialist support around rape and sexual violence, childhood sexual abuse, grooming and exploitation, domestic abuse, stalking, forced marriage and so-called “honour”-based violence. Ask Marc sends out a clear message of hope telling victims you don’t have to deal with it alone: someone is here to listen: www.askmarc.org.uk
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BARNARDO'S BEACON SERVICE
Barnardo's have launched a service to support victims and survivors of child sexual abuse. The website has a space for children/young people, parents/carers and professionals and as time goes on these will grow and develop with more resources, information and advice.
There is also the ability to search for services in your local area and again, this will evolve over time as services come, go or change. They aim for the website to be a helpful space where people feel included, safe and supported. https://www.barnardosbeacon.org.uk/
RSVP
Offer empathic services to support and inspire children and adults of all genders who have been subjected to sexual violence and abuse https://rsvporg.co.uk/
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WEST MIDLANDS POLICE
For information and advice around Sexual Assault and Abuse visit https://www.west-midlands.police.uk/your-options/sexual-assault
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HARMFUL SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR SUPPORT SERVICE FOR THE CHILDRENS WORKFORCE
The support service is available for anyone in England working with children and young people, particularly, designated safeguarding leads within primary and secondary schools and alternative provision. Support is also available to early years provision, colleges and wider safeguarding professionals (including police, social workers and health care professionals). If children within your care have been displaying or are affected by specific incidents of Harmful Sexual Behaviour, the support service can provide initial support and signpost to further resources and advice.
Visit: https://swgfl.org.uk/harmful-sexual-behaviour-support-service/
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KOOTH
Free, safe and anonymous online support for young people https://kooth.com/
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SOMETHING'S NOT RIGHT
Information to help young people recognise different forms of abuse, report it and get help
https://www.childline.org.uk/somethings-not-right
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THE INTERNET, RELATIONSHIPS & YOU
CEOP Education pages for 11-18 year olds: https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/11_18/
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THE WHAT? CENTRE
The What? Centre is a Young Person’s Advice and Counselling Service, on a wide range on issues, that has bases in Stourbridge and Dudley. The organisation also specialises in supporting LGBTQ young people and holds weekly LGBTQ+ groups for 13-18’s and another group for 18-25’s www.thewhatcentre.co.uk
PARENTS PROTECT
Helping parents and carers protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation
www.parentsprotect.co.uk
CHILDNET ONLINE SEXUAL HARASSMENT RESOURCES
Advice leaflets, a short film and further information about online sexual harassment amongst young people. For parents and professionals.
https://www.childnet.com/resources/online-sexual-harassment-advice-leaflets/
SURVIVORS UK
Supporting men and boys affected by sexual assault and abuse. SurvivorsUK helps men and boys deal with the impact of rape, sexual abuse or assault whether they experienced it as a child or as an adult. Their aim is to help any man or boy to have the confidence to speak about what’s happened to them and to know that it’s ok to seek help.
STOP IT NOW
Information and advice for anyone with concerns about child sexual abuse and its prevention.
If you’re worried about your own thoughts, feelings and behaviour, or about another adult or young person, we can help, and we won’t judge.
You never have to give identifying information, so can remain anonymous. The confidential helpline (0808 1000 900), live chat and secure messaging service are available here: www.stopitnow.org.uk
MARIE COLLINS FOUNDATION
The Marie Collins Foundation work with children, families, practitioners, Government departments and industry to ensure the response to those abused via the internet and mobile technologies reflects current best practice https://www.mariecollinsfoundation.org.uk/
DOCUMENTS & RESOURCES
DUDLEY'S SEXUAL ASSAULT AND ABUSE STRATEGY
Safe and Sound, Dudley’s community safety partnership takes a serious and committed approach to addressing sexual assault and abuse. We work closely in partnership across agencies and with communities to ensure that timely and effective help and support is available for individuals, in addition to ensuring that perpetrators are held to account for their actions.
This strategy outlines work taking place locally along with local priorities and reflects the regional West Midlands Sexual Assault and Abuse Strategy
WEST MIDLANDS SEXUAL ASSAULT AND ABUSE STRATEGY
The Sexual Assault and Abuse Strategy is a comprehensive document which addresses the response that will be taken in the West Midlands to tackling sexual abuse, both current and historic.
It addresses how victims of all ages will be supported and how perpetrators of sexual assault and abuse will be responded to.
The piece of work has been put together by the West Midlands Sexual Assault and Abuse board, a collaboration of public sector organisations and third sector specialists in tackling abuse.
BLACK COUNTRY SEXUAL VIOLENCE SERVICE REFERRAL FORM
For use by professionals
WEST MIDLANDS RAPE AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE STANDARDS
Groups from across the public and voluntary sector in the West Midlands have come together to launch this set of standards for rape and sexual violence services. The standards set out levels of service and support that victims from across the West Midlands should receive and can expect.