Sexual Assault
Sexual assault is where someone has performed physical acts of a sexual nature against someone without their consent. This can include a man's penis penetrating someone (rape) but can include other acts involving touching of the genitals.
It can be a scary and distressing experience. There are many services that can help you:
- The Havens - A service in London that provides medical care and police support, including forensic sampling
- For children under the age 13 — Children aged under 13 | The Havens
- For young people aged 13-18 — Young people aged 13 to 18 | The Havens
- RASASC - Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Centre
- Survivors UK - For male rape and sexual abuse
You may be at risk of a sexually transmitted infections(STIs) or pregnancy following an assault and it is recommended that you seek medical advice as soon as possible, regardless of whether you want to report the rape or not.
Our Integrated Sexual Health service based in Croydon is a free, confidential and friendly service. We make no assumptions or judgements about you. You can come to us directly, without being referred from another organisation.
We can offer you medical care (screening and treatment) for sexually transmitted infections; emergency contraception; post-exposure prophylaxis (prevention) for HIV & Hepatitis B. we can also help you get the support and referral to other organisations you may need.
Sexual Exploitation & Abuse
Sexual exploitation can be defined as: actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, power, or trust, for sexual purposes. It includes, but is not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another.
Sexual abuse: is when someone is forced or persuaded to take part in sexual activities. It doesn't have to just involve physical contact and it include online (e.g. performing sexual acts videoed on a webcam. It can also involve making someone e.g. a child watch sexual acts either in person or on screen. Sometimes the person being abused won't understand that what's happening to them is abuse.
What is child sexual exploitation (CSE)?
The NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) define Child sexual exploitation (CSE) as:
“a type of sexual abuse. When a child or young person is exploited they're given things, like gifts, drugs, money, status and affection, in exchange for performing sexual activities. Children and young people are often tricked into believing they're in a loving and consensual relationship. This is called grooming. They may trust their abuser and not understand that they're being abused.”
If you:
- are worried about CSE
- want to know what signs to look out for
- want to know more about CSE and how to protect children at risk
Then there is more information on the NSPCC CSE site.
Domestic Violence & Abuse
What is Domestic Abuse?
Domestic Abuse is any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality.
Are you a victim/survivor of domestic abuse or are you worried about someone experiencing domestic abuse?
If so, or you want to learn more, there is further information on the FJC (formerly Family Justice Centre) website.
Rebuilding Life After Domestic Abuse
Have you previously experienced ANY form of domestic abuse, sexual violence or assault including rape or childhood sexual abuse?
If so, are you tired of people thinking everything's ok now that you're physically away from the abusive environment?
At the Lioness Circle, we know that even after you've escaped, the long-term effects of abuse can be devastating, including complex mental health issues, ranging from severe anxiety to PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). This could be having an underlying impact in many areas of your life such as self worth and confidence, parenting, romantic or other relationships, friendships, financial, career, employment, education etc.
Many local services that provide mental and emotional support are limited to up to 12 weeks. At the Lioness Circle, we recognise that long term holistic support is what's needed.That's why our healing and empowerment programmes run for six months at a time with events and activities that can include the whole family.
Free creche, breakfast and lunch provided at each session.
To find out more about what we do or to get involed go to: The Lioness Circle
