Violence — rape and sexual assault including child abuse

The following script contains details of organisations offering information and support to anyone who has been affected by rape, sexual abuse or child abuse, however long ago. The phone lines to some of these organisations are very busy, but please keep trying.

The Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre offers support and information for women and girls who have been raped or sexually abused, however long ago. Call their local rate helpline 0845 1221 331 (Mondays to Fridays 12pm-2.30pm, 7pm-9.30pm, weekends and bank holidays 2.30pm-5pm).

You can find details on regional support for men or women on the Rape Crisis website, which also contains information on what to expect when you go to the police or about court procedures. Go to www.rapecrisis.org.uk.

If you're a man who's been raped or sexually abused, or who's trying to cope with the abuse of someone close to you, the organisation Survivors UK runs a helpline on the local rate number 0845 1221 201 (Tuesdays and Thursdays 7pm-10pm). You can also visit their website at www.survivorsuk.org.uk.

If you're a young person ChildLine provides free and confidential counselling for anyone up to the age of 18. The free helpline is open 24 hours a day,on 0800 11 11 (every day). If you have difficulty in hearing or in using a regular phone try the textphone service on 0800 400 222. ChildLine phone lines can be very busy but do keep trying and you will get through. More information is on their website at www.childline.org.uk.

If you are ready to speak to the police after a rape or sexual assault, this information may be useful to you.

• Try to report the attack as soon as you can and try not to wash or change your clothes.
• If possible take a change of clothing with you, the police may need your clothing for evidence.
• Avoid taking any drugs or alcohol prior to reporting to police.
• Once you have reported the attack, a specially trained police officer will be appointed to you. They will advise and support you through procedures at the police station and at Court.

Police training and practice has improved dramatically over the last few years. You can now expect to be taken seriously; to be treated sensitively and with respect, and also kept informed of progress.

Victim Supportline can provide help and information for anyone who has been affected by a violent or sexual assault. You might not want to involve the police but want someone to listen to how you feel. If you do want to go to the police, they can help you deal with this and can accompany you at court. Call them on 0845 30 30 900 (Mondays to Fridays 9am-9pm, Saturdays and Sundays 9am-7pm). You can also e-mail info@victimsupport.org.uk or visit their website at www.victimsupport.org.

Voice UK provides telephone support for adults and children with learning disabilities who have been abused, and for their families and carers. Call their national rate number on 0870 013 3965 (Mondays to Fridays 10am-4pm). Or you can visit their website at www.voiceuk.org.uk.

NAPAC - The National Association for People Abused in Childhood provides support no matter how long ago the abuse took place, pointing people in the right direction to take control of their own recovery. Call their free helpline 0800 085 3330 (Mondays to Fridays 9am-1pm). Also check out their website at www.napac.org.uk.

Don't forget that if you're feeling distressed and need someone to talk to, you can phone the Samaritans at any time of day or night on 08457 90 90 90.

If you're concerned about the safety of a child the NSPCC Child Protection Helpline on 0808 800 5000 is a free, confidential, 24 hour helpline available every day of the year. A free textphone service is in place for people who are hard of hearing on 0800 056 0566. There's also an e-mail helpline, send messages to help@nspcc.org.uk.

Stop It Now! is a campaign that advises anyone who has abused, or have thought about abusing a child. They also support the family and friends of abusers. The campaign encourages abusers to recognise their behaviour problems and seek help to change. Call their confidential helpline on 0808 1000 900 (Mondays to Thursdays 9am-9pm, Fridays 9am-7pm). You can also go to their website at www.stopitnow.org.uk.

This message has been prepared and updated regularly by Programme Support at Channel 4.

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