We understand that it can be difficult to leave your home under government enforcement of social distancing. However, in the case of abuse, harm or risk, you are allowed to leave your home to access support and help (with your children, if you have any). You do not have to stay in an abusive environment.
Victims can be men and women of any age, race, ability or sexuality. The perpetrator (the person carrying out the assault) could be a stranger or someone known to the victim. Sexual assault is a sexual act that is carried out without the victim’s active consent – which means they didn’t agree to it.
If you have been sexually assaulted, remember that it wasn’t your fault. A sexual assault is always the fault of the perpetrator.
If you have been a victim of rape or sexual abuse, Horizon are still here to offer support and can be contacted 24/7 on 0800 970 0375. The Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) provides non-judgemental medical, practical and emotional support. They also perform forensic examinations if the assault was within the last seven days – or longer if you have visible injuries, e.g. bruising.
A forensic examination can help to provide evidence against the person who assaulted you. If you are unsure about whether or not you want to report the assault to the police at this time, there are different options you can consider. For example, the forensic evidence can be collected and stored by the SARC to give you more time to decide and advice can be provided by specially trained staff to help you decide.
You are in control of what happens. We realise how hard it is to speak out so you can expect to be treated with dignity, respect and compassion. Please visit Horizon’s website for more information.
You can call for help and report rape or abuse to 999 (emergency) or 101 (non-emergency). If you cannot call or accept a call, West Midlands are offering a secure Live Chat facility via their website – please click the ‘report an incident’ function. This is available everyday between 8am and midnight.
You don’t need to report your crime to the police to receive support. There are a range of services across the West Midlands for people who need help, including victims of domestic or sexual violence. Please visit their website to search for support services by topic and local area.
If you are concerned about someone controlling your choice around pregnancy or contraception, please call 0121 612 2323 and we will be able to offer private advice and guidance as well as confidential medical treatment. No one will know details about your visit and we do not share any information with partners, family, friends or colleagues at all.
You can access free STI screening through www.freetest.me, where a screening kit is sent to any location of your choice. This is a private and confidential service that includes instructions and free postage. You can choose whether you receive your results by text, email or letter.
You can still access emergency contraception (Morning After Pill) within 72 hours of unprotected sex at various pharmacies within Sandwell. This is a free and confidential service. Find a pharmacy near you on the Healthy Sandwell website.
We are still offering certain methods of contraception (including emergency contraception), Sexual Health advice and treatment for STIs at the Lyng Centre (Frank Fisher Way, West Bromwich, B70 7AW). However, due to the outbreak of covid-19, you will need to call 0121 612 2323 first so we can discuss the next steps with you while keeping you protected from the risk of catching the virus.
If you believe you have been exposed to HIV, you can still receive PEP by either calling us on 0121 612 2323 or by visiting your nearest Accident & Emergency for medical treatment and advice.
Black Country Women’s Aid offer one-to-one practical and emotional support to women, children and men who have experienced rape, sexual violence and childhood sexual abuse. Support is available whether the abuse happened recently or years ago, and whether or not you choose to report what happened to the police.
Support services cover Sandwell, Dudley, Wolverhampton and Walsall. Please visit their website for more information.
ISVAs (Independent Sexual Violence Advisers) work closely with other organisations to ensure you get the best support but they are independent of all statutory agencies, including the Police, Local Authority and Social Services. You can contact support workers by calling 0121 553 0090 or by emailing isva@blackcountrywomensaid.co.uk.
West Midlands Children and Young Persons Service is a one-stop service open to anyone up to the age of 17 who has been the victim of rape, sexual violence and/or sexual abuse.
You can contact the service directly on 0808 196 2340. This is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you would like to be seen for an examination without Police involvement, this can be discussed with you.
Please visit their website for more information.
The Rape & Sexual Violence Project holds weekly clinics at the Birmingham LGBT centre, which is open to both Birmingham and Sandwell residents. There are both female and male ISVAs (Independent Sexual Violence Advocate) available.
You can access support by contacting LGBT ISVA for an appointment, informal discussion or referral by calling 0121 643 0301 (option 2) or emailing isva@rsvporg.co.uk
Please visit their website for more information.
Due to the covid-19 outbreak, you will be supported via telephone and/or email to prevent further exposure to the virus. However, in emergencies, you are always encouraged to call 999.
There is support available if you are experiencing abuse from partners, ex-partners and family members. They also support LGBT people experiencing, or are at risk of, honour based violence and forced marriage. If you recognise yourself, or someone you know, as experiencing abuse, please call 0121 643 0821 or email idva@blgbt.org
Please visit their website for more information.
A clinic for women (18 years +) who have undergone female genital mutilation (FGM)
A range of support and care is delivered by an all-female team, including:
Contact Details
Summerfield Primary Care Centre, Heath Street, Birmingham, B18 7AL
Telephone: Alison Byrne on 07989209483
Email: swbh.summerfieldfgm@nhs.net
CONTACT US
If you feel unsure or need further advice, please call us 0121 612 2323 and our Sexual Health Team will be happy to talk to you and offer confidential support and guidance. We’re here to provide the best medical care while supporting your needs in this difficult time.