RAPE & SEXUAL ASSAULT

COUNSELLING

What is rape & sexual assault counselling?

Being raped or sexually assaulted is a very distressing experience with effects that can endure. Although it is commonly believed the majority of rapes and sexual assault are carried out against women, men are also targeted and TALK IN THE BAY offers COUNSELLING SUPPORT to all victims of sexual assault.

If you who have suffered a sexual attack you may feel:

frightened
dirty
guilty
powerless
angry
ashamed
depressed
numb
lacking self-confidence

You may have difficulty with eating or sleeping. You may lack concentration and find this makes concentrating at work difficult. Everyone reacts differently, however and it is not unusual for feelings to change from day to day. In particular there can be a long gap between the assault and the emotional reaction.

It can be difficult to talk about the attack to friends or family yet it is important to have understanding and support. It can be helpful to talk to a qualified and experienced therapist in confidence such as one of our therapists who are trained and experienced in dealing with Sexual assaults.

What to do after a rape or assault?

Everyone reacts differently after sexual assault or rape. It is important to trust and validate individual feelings and do whatever is needed to recover. This may entail telling a friend, going to a place of safety, having a bath or shower, or crying.

In order to cope with the trauma of the event some people try to carry on as normal and not tell anyone for a long time. However, often distress can surface a considerable time after the event. No matter how much later, you can always seek help from counsellors, GPs and voluntary sector agencies. No one need feel they have to cope on their own simply because they did not report the incident soon after it happened.

Health issues

Many people who have been raped or sexually assaulted are concerned about their health. Hospitals and GPs must see them on a confidential basis and not report the assault to the police unless they request this.

You may decide to be tested for pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases as appropriate. If you prefer not to use your GP there are many clinics which offer free and confidential advice.

Bruising and other injuries that need immediate attention are best deal with in the Accident and Emergency Department (A&E) at the hospital.

Reporting to the police

Sexual violence is a criminal offence and a you can report the perpetrator to the police for prosecution. It is your choice. This can be done later, but the reason for reporting a sexual assault immediately is so that forensic evidence can be taken. Evidence will be collected by means of a medical examination by a police surgeon – who will be a GP employed part-time by the police.

If the attack was physically violent the police forensic team may also wish to visit the scene of the crime to collect more evidence.

When going to the police station you can take someone with you, such as a friend or professional worker. Ask for an officer who has had special training (this would usually be a woman). Today the police are trained to use tact and sensitivity. No one has the right to ask for disclosure of any personal details about previous relationships and sexual life.

If after reporting a sexual offence, the right to withdraw the complaint at any time still remains. The police may require clothing to be left for forensic examination. The police station can provide other clothing, but it is a good idea to take a change of clothes along.

If you are traumatised after the assault you may arrange another time for a statement to be made. If English is not the first language the police can arrange for an interpreter to be present. The police officer will explain police procedures and give advice and information on the next stages including the court process.

Confidential support – Psychological and counselling services

Several of our therapists have direct experience of working with the victims of sexual assault and specific training in trauma. Our Receptionist is very understanding and sympathetic to distress and we do everything we can to make what is often a very difficult first visit as supportive as possible.

Anybody contacting Talk in the Bay, can ask to see a male or female therapist according to who they feel

During therapy the student may address a number of issues including

the impact of the incident including issues of self-esteem and confidence
providing him or her with information on dealing with and avoiding abusive situations. The purpose of this is to help the student protect him/herself and to access appropriate help
treatment of emotional and behavioural disturbance, for example post-traumatic stress disorder or symptoms which give rise to concern for his/her mental health

It is important to note however that treatment needs to be carried out within the legal guidelines designed to protect vulnerable or intimidated witness. Information can be found at The Crown Prosecution Service website

Let us help

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a talking therapy that can help you manage your problems by changing the way you think and behave.
It is most commonly used to treat anxiety and depression, but can be useful for other mental and physical health problems.

Learn more about CBT

Solution-focused brief therapy – also known as solution-focused therapy – is an approach to psychotherapy based on solution-building rather than problem-solving. Although it acknowledges present problems and past causes, it predominantly explores an individual’s current resources and future hopes – helping them to look forward and use their own strengths to achieve their goals.

Learn more about Solution-focused brief therapy

Psychotherapy involves regular personal interaction and the use of psychological methods and techniques particularly, to help change behavior and overcome problems in desired ways.

Learn more about Psychotherapy

Schema Therapy helps you to understand and gain clarity of where and why difficulties have developed in life and provides a treatment plan for healing.

Learn more about Schema Therapy

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a form of psychotherapy and has been described as the fourth wave in therapy following CBT.

Learn more about ACT

Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is a data driven science of all behaviour.

Learn more about ABA

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