For Survivors

What you’re feeling right now matters. Experiencing sexual violence, whether recently or in the past, can be distressing, confusing, or frightening. You are not alone in this. We’re here to support you, help you feel safe, share information, or listen whenever you’re ready to talk.

Opening up to someone for the first time can feel incredibly hard, and we recognise just how challenging that step can be.

RASASC Cheshire & Merseyside provides a free, specialist, and confidential service for people of all ages and genders who have experienced any form of sexual violence, at any point in their lives. We offer a safe and confidential space where you can access the support you need.

What support can we offer?

We offer a wide range of support options designed to meet you wherever you are on your journey, recognising that everyone’s experience and path towards healing after sexual abuse is unique. Whether you are seeking immediate support, looking to understand your options, or ready to take further steps in reporting to the Police, we are here to support you.

We listen without judgement and support you at your own pace, ensuring you feel safe, heard, and in control throughout. Our range of support options includes:

Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVAs) are separate from the Police/any other agencies and provide confidential support and advocacy to anyone who has experienced sexual violence, regardless of when it happened or whether it has been reported.

They offer impartial guidance to help you understand your options and make informed choices. If you do report to the police, ISVAs can support you emotionally and practically throughout the criminal justice process, from initial report to court.

For more information click on the link to see our Independent Sexual Violence Advisors page.

We provide specialist counselling for individuals who have experienced rape, sexual assault, or sexual abuse. Our service is accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and adheres to its Ethical Framework.

We support people whether or not they choose to report their experience to the police, including those who have been involved in the criminal justice process.

For more information click on the link to see our Counselling page.

RASASC Wellbeing Groups offer up to 12 months of support for adult survivors of sexual violence. We provide both in-person and online peer support and social groups, creating opportunities to connect in ways that feel comfortable for you.

Our groups focus on recovery, healing, and social inclusion, with a varied programme of creative and enjoyable activities that support both physical and emotional wellbeing.

For more information click on the link to see our RASASC Wellbeing Groups page.

We offer specialist counselling for children and young people aged 5–18 through Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT), designed to support those who have experienced trauma such as sexual abuse. Sessions may also involve parents or carers.

We also provide specialist Children’s ISVAs, who offer practical and emotional support to children and their families throughout the criminal justice process, helping you understand your options and advocating on your behalf.

For more information click on the link to see our Children and Young People page.

See our resources page for leaflets on the various areas within our service.

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What our service users say

My ISVA has supported me more than I ever thought they could. If it wasn’t for RASASC I probably wouldn’t be here today. They have helped me to do coping methods and breathing and gave me the confidence to be open and honest with people. Anytime I phoned or text they were there to help me. They made me realise that I am not the guilty one. I am not a victim; I am a survivor.

Female, 36

I have felt well supported by RASASC and have found the service easily accessible and has helped me process my emotions around trauma/SA. I would highly recommend this service. It has meant so much to have a safe space to be heard over these last few months. Thank you for your patience, your insight and for helping me to process some difficulty moments and find my voice again.

Female, 30

My ISVA must be commended for their professional skills in dealing with vulnerable victims, and for their kind and sensitive approach to their role as an ISVA. I couldn’t have coped without their support and the sense they gave me of feeling heard. They advocated on my behalf and I’m so grateful for that.

Female, 60

My counsellor has helped me shift the blame and shame of my abuse to the other side and helped me breathe and feel lighter.

Male, 54