Healthwatch Liverpool survey to support sexual trauma survivors

Healthwatch Liverpool wants to hear from people living in Liverpool, including students, who have experienced sexual assault or abuse, and about their experiences of accessing healthcare services after this.

Complete their short online survey to help improve healthcare for sexual trauma survivors.

By gathering feedback from people who have experienced sexual trauma, Healthwatch Liverpool hope to improve survivors’ experiences of medical appointments, cancer screening and clinical procedures. They aim to make medical appointments and treatment as comfortable, welcoming and reassuring as possible for people who may find it particularly difficult due to past, or ongoing, traumatic experiences.

They want to know what helps and what prevents survivors from using healthcare services, including cancer screening. They will use the feedback to work with the local NHS to improve how healthcare settings support people who have experienced sexual trauma.

You can help Healthcare Liverpool to achieve this by completing their short online survey. The survey takes around 10 minutes to complete and your feedback is anonymous.

Who are Healthwatch Liverpool?

Healthwatch Liverpool is the independent champion for people who use health and social care services in Liverpool.

One of their main purposes is to understand the needs, experiences and concerns of people who use health and social care services and to speak out on their behalf. They focus on ensuring that people’s worries and concerns about current services are addressed. They work to get services right for the future.

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Please remember, if you or someone you know is a victim of sexual violence you can contact the police direct on 101, or in an emergency call 999.

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Specialist support for sexual violence

Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs)

SARCs offer medical, practical and emotional support to anyone who has been sexually assaulted, recently or in the past. In Liverpool, SAFE Place Merseyside provides this specialist support including crisis support. They work in liaison with Merseyside Police but if you’ve experienced sexual violence and do not want to go to the police, you can self-refer yourself to SAFE Place Merseyside.

Counselling

RASA (Rape and Sexual Abuse Support) Merseyside offer specialist counselling for survivors and run an information line. The Centre also provides access to Independent Sexual Violence Advisors who are trained to advise and support survivors and act as links to further specialist support.

Reporting

If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual violence you can contact the police direct on 101, or in an emergency call 999.

Report+Support

Report+Support is an online tool for students and staff to report bullying, harassment, sexual misconduct, hate crime, assault or discrimination. We understand that reporting an incident can be daunting, so you can choose to report anonymously. If you choose to leave your contact details, this will not instigate a formal complaints process. An advisor will call you to offer support and advice. Any information you provide will remain confidential unless we believe there is a serious threat to a person’s safety.

Student Conduct Team

Where there has been a formal report of bullying, harassment, sexual misconduct, hate crime, assault or discrimination made against a student, our experienced team are here to ensure any investigations are carried out using a trauma informed approach. Our aim is to deal with formal reports in a timely manner, with due care and consideration given to the students involved.

University Support Services

Wellbeing Team

Our experienced Wellbeing Practitioners are here to offer non-judgmental support and advice. Complete a brief triage form and they will contact you within three working days.

If you would like to speak to a counsellor right now, round-the-clock support is available via Health Assured. A translation line is available for students who would prefer to speak in their first language if is not English. Call the freephone number 0800 028 3766.

Chaperone Service

The Campus Support Team offer a 24/7 chaperone service. They are happy to escort any student around campus to ensure you feel safe. You can contact the team on 0151 794 3252.

Guild Advice

The Guild’s Advice Team offer free and confidential advice to all students. They are independent from the University and can support you with non-judgemental advice and guidance. Contact guildadvice@liverpool.ac.uk to book an appointment.

Other Organisations

Samaritans – a 24/7 listening service
Telephone: 116 123
Email: jo@samaritans.org

Survivors UK – support for male survivors
www.survivorsuk.org
Telephone: 0845 122 1201 (Mon, Tues, Thurs 7-10pm)

Galop – for LGBT+ people experiencing domestic abuse, sexual violence, hate crime and other forms of abuse
www.galop.org.uk/
Telephone: 0800 999 5428
Email: help@galop.org.uk

National Women’s Aid – for women experiencing domestic abuse
www.womensaid.org.uk
Telephone: 0808 2000 247 (24 hour helpline)

Men’s Advice Line – for men experiencing domestic abuse
www.mensadviceline.org.uk
Telephone: 0800 801 0327 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)

Liverpool Domestic Abuse Service – for women and girls experiencing domestic abuse
www.liverpooldomesticabuseservice.org.uk
Telephone: 0800 084 2744 (Mon-Thurs 9am-5pm, Fri 9am-3pm)

Revenge Porn Helpline – for those experiencing intimate image abuse
www.revengepornhelpline.org.uk
Telephone: 0345 6000 459 (Mon-Fri 10am-6pm)

National Stalking Helpline – for those experiencing stalking
www.suzylamplugh.org/refer-someone-to-us
Telephone: 0808 802 0300 (Mon & Wed 9.30am-8pm, Tues, Thurs, Fri 9.30am – 4pm)

Sexual Health Clinics

www.axess.clinic/find-service/axess-services-liverpool/