Support for victims of rape and sexual assault
If you’ve been the victim, please report rape or sexual assault as soon as possible. Even if you’re not 100 per cent sure, we’d sooner hear from you so that we can make sure you’re safe. If you’re not ready to talk to the police just yet, that’s OK. Below you can find a range of places to get support, advice and medical help.
You can speak to these organisations in confidence and what you tell them won't be shared with the police unless you ask for it to be.
Independent sexual violence advisors (ISVAs)
Independent sexual violence advisors (ISVAs) work with people who have experienced sexual violence to get them access to the services they need.
They provide impartial advice on all the options available such as reporting to police, the criminal justice process, accessing sexual assault referral centres (SARCs), seeking support from specialist sexual violence organisations and other services such as housing or benefits.
Find your local sexual assault referral centre.Other useful links
The charities, groups and organisations below can also provide specialist information and support.
Juniper Lodge
Juniper Lodge is a local sexual assault referral centre that offers free and confidential services.
Jasmine House
Jasmine House provides free, confidential therapeutic services for women and girls who have experienced rape, sexual abuse or sexual violence recently or in the past.
United Against Violence and Abuse (UAVA)
UAVA provides co-ordinated domestic and sexual violence services across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland for any male or female over the age of 13. Additional services are available for Leicester City residents.
First Step
First Step offers help for men who have experienced rape or sexual abuse.
Zinthiya Trust
Zinthiya Trust is a registered charity offering support to women and families from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Quetzal
Quetzal supports women recovering from the trauma of childhood sexual abuse through specialised therapeutic counselling.
Victim First
Victim First is a free, independent and confidential service for victims and witnesses of crime in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
Leicester Sexual Health
Leicester's sexual health clinic can offer advice and help if you're concerned about infection or unwanted pregnancy.
LGBT support
Leicester Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) Centre is a voluntary organisation established to support lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
Trade Sexual Health offers advice about sexual health.
Family Action Leicester Post Sexual Abuse Service
Fosse Neighbourhood Centre
Mantle Road
Leicester
LE3 5HG
Phone: 0116 2168334
Universities
De Montford and Leicester universities have support services and information for students who are victims of sexual assault and rape.
De Montford University Mandala Project.
Leicester University information on support for victims of harassment and violence.
Victim Support
A national charity dedicated to helping anyone affected by crime – not just victims and witnesses, but friends, family and anyone else caught up in the aftermath.
Rape Crisis
A national charity offering confidential help, advice and a range of Rape Crisis Centres around the UK.
Galop
A national charity providing advice and support to members of the LGBT community.
Survivors UK
A national charity supporting men who have been raped or sexually assaulted.
Crimestoppers
A national charity with a free helpline for reporting crime anonymously.
Refuge
Refuge supports women, children and men with a range of services, including refuges, independent advocacy, community outreach and culturally specific services.
Women's Aid
Women’s Aid is a national charity working to end domestic abuse against women and children.
Men's Advice Line: 0808 801 0327
Confidential helpline for men experiencing domestic violence from a partner or ex-partner (or from other family members).