Our Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) service offers impartial information, advice and practical and emotional support to anyone aged 18 or over, who has experienced rape, childhood sexual abuse, incest or sexual violence at any point in their life.

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ISVAs are independent of the police, courts and other agencies and support is provided regardless of whether you choose to report to the police or not.

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An ISVA can assist you in understanding your rights and services that you may be able to access.  An ISVA can provide you with information to make informed decisions about the support you access.  An ISVA can provide you with information about safety options and other services that are available to you.

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An ISVA can assist with practical matters such as housing, benefits and health services.

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Criminal Justice Support:  if you choose to report to the police an ISVA can support you through this process and any subsequent Court proceedings.  An ISVA can liaise with the police, courts, Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and other public agencies ensuring you are informed with the developments in your case and information and support regarding applying for Criminal Injuries Compensation (CICA).

Are you looking for advice on:

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• claims against an individual who has committed the abuse?

• claims against an organisation responsible for that person?

• claims against an organisation that should have taken steps to prevent that abuse but failed?

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We are offering a free service, in partnership with local law firm Banner Jones, where we can offer service users the opportunity to speak to a legal professional.

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Compensation claims may be sought to reflect the harm caused and help with further treatment throughout your life.  Many people also pursue a claim to ensure thre is accountability for what happened.

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This service is run by appointment only and provides 30 minute slots with a legal representative from Banner Jones.  If you are interested in attending, speak to your ISVA, therapist or ask at reception.

The purpose of the free helpline service is to offer advice, guidance and support to anyone who has or is experiencing childhood sexual abuse, incest and sexual violence.  This includes their supporters.

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SAIL has recently completed and obtained The Helpline Partnership Standard (a nationally recognised quality standard which defines and accredits best practice in helpline work).

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As well as the helpline there is a dedicated email and text service.

SAIL Drama Therapy is an accessible form of therapy which provides emotional support and utilises different types of creative and performing arts as a mode of healing.

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Drama Therapy gives equl validity to body and mind, as both affect each other.  Drama Therapy can use stories, puppetry, masks, movement, improvisation, art and play.  These techniques will enable the client to explore difficult and painful life experiences through an indirect apporach.

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Drama Therapy enables people to find their true potential in a private space to work through problems.

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SAIL Art Therapy is an accessible form of therapy which provides emotional support and utilises creative art making as a mode of healing. 

Art therapy is a blended field of therapeutic practice that combines art and psychology, utilizing the creative process, such as painting, drawing, or working with clay, to empower individuals to develop self-awareness, explore emotions, and support trauma.  

To participate in art therapy, you do not need any prior experience with art or a natural artistic ability. The process itself is one of exploration with no ‘wrongs’ and no ‘rights.’  

Art therapy can be used to: 

• Foster self-awareness 

• Promote emotional release 

• Improve interpersonal relationships 

• Elevate or stabilize your mood 

• Boost confidence 

• Improve sensory-motor function and cognition 

SAIL offers a free counselling service for 26 weeks initially.  Counselling is provided by student placement and qualified volunteer counsellors.

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All volunteers work to the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy Ethical Framework.

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SAIL offers a trauma informed approach focussed on individual need.  There is an emphasis on relationship and building a therapeutic alliance.  Therapy is reviewed six weekly, enabling changes to be made resulting in a tailored approach to meet client identified individual need.

 

SAIL's Group Therapy consists of ten weekly, two hour sessions.  Contents is user led and centres around psychoeducation with a focus on building resilience and recovery.

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Topics covered include safety, stabilisation, self-care and assertiveness.  Group members build positive coping mechanisms for symptoms of complex post-traumatic stress such as triggers, flashbacks and dissociation.

 

SAIL provides ongoing support in the form of a peer group.  This is a safe space to be heard and understood.  Members offer each other respect, empathy, mutual support and a non-judgemental attitude.