Guides to Reporting and the Law


From Report to Court 2018 *Rights of Women*	Responding to the Challenge of Rape Myths in Court. A Guide for Prosecutors 2014 *Dr Nina Burrows*	Your guide on reporting non-recent child sexual abuse to the police in the UK 2014 *Operation Hydrant*

The Criminal Justice System 2019 *London Survivors Gateway & RASASC*	Survivors of Sexual Violence: Your Rights at a Glance 2018 *Rights of Women*	Being a Witness, a Booklet for Young Witnesses going to Court 2011 *Ministry of Justice*

CPS Policy for Prosecuting Cases of Rape 2012 *Crown Prosecution Services*	From Charge to Trial: A Guide to Criminal Proceedings 2012 *Rights of Women*	A Guide to Criminal Injuries Compensation 2013 *Rights of Women*

Sexual Violence and Housing 2019 *London Survivors Gateway & Solace*	My Rights, My Self, My Choice, My Hopes 2019 *London Survivors Gateway & Nia*	Code of Practice for Victims of Crime in England and Wales November 2020 *Ministry of Justice*

The Abuse Survivor‘s Guide to Making a Claim for Compensation Emmott Snell Solicitors

Latest

Support for Survivors

Nottingham-based charity providing face-to-face services across the East-Midlands for survivors of child abuse.
Employers Against Abuse

In partnership with the Home Office, The Survivors Trust have created a training programme thats aims to create supportive and empowering workplaces for survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence.
Workshops for ISVAs

We offer one-day CPD-accredited workshops for qualified ISVAs. Current workshops available include: 'Supporting Sex Workers' and 'Supporting a Person with a Mental Health Disability'.
Our New Look!

We are thrilled to share our new branding! This isn't just about looks – Our new brand embodies inclusivity, empowerment, and unity. Through a powerful visual identity, we're raising awareness, empowering survivors, and providing education about the effects of sexual violence and abuse.

Flow

This short film, inspired by interviews with victims/survivors, employs the power of storytelling to spark debate about how we, as a society, hinder the disclosure of childhood sexual abuse.
Survivor Support Resources

The Survivors Trust Resources site is an online platform designed to offer survivor-led resources and practical tools to help people affected by sexual violence and abuse, and their supporters navigate their journey of healing. We explore some of the common challenges that survivors may have including topics such as anxiety & panic; shame & guilt; intimacy; relationships; dissociation; sleep and much more.
Next Steps for Special Measures - A review of the provision of special measures to vulnerable and intimidated witnesses

Special measures are intended to help vulnerable and intimidated witnesses give their best evidence to the court. This review explores the current provision of special measures, from the initial assessment of a witness’s need to trial.
Survivors' Journeys - Survivors' Voices: Including the voice of survivors in commissioning support services

Survivors' Journeys - Survivors' Voices conference, held in October 2014, sought to redress the lack of survivors' voices and views on service development and commissioning processes. This report highlights the findings from the event.
Victims' Code of Practice

The Ministry of Justice have published a simplified and updated Victims’ Code alongside the government response to its consultation: ‘Improving the Victims’ Code’.
Disclosure of non-recent (historic) childhood sexual abuse: What should researchers do?

This paper highlights important considerations for Research Ethics Committees on the importance of preserving confidentiality of disclosures by adults of non-recent abuse.
Sexual violence and COVID-19: all silent on the home front

In this article, Clare Gunby et al reflect on the framing of violence against women in mainstream media in the UK, and some policy documents and guidance, in the first four weeks of the COVID-19 induced lockdown.
Mesarch - Join a thousand voices for change!

This research is inviting over 1000 individuals who have attended a Sexual Assault Referral Centre in England to take part, to ‘join a thousand voices for change’.
I didn't marry a monster

Marital ‘rape’ is a hidden recurring issue which people, mostly women, are reluctant to open up about. This video created by Ola and her partner Olu highlights the taboo issue and reminds those affected that help is available.
'What Works; patient and stakeholder engagement for Sexual Assault Referral Centres’

NHS England worked with service users and key partners to develop the ‘What Works; patient and stakeholder engagement for Sexual Assault Referral Centres’ report.

Find Specialist Support in your Area

The Survivors Trust has 120 member organisations based in the UK & Ireland which provide specialist support for women, men & children who have survived rape, sexual violence or childhood sexual abuse.
Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC)

SARCs (sexual assault referral centres) are specialist medical and forensic services for anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted. They are designed to be comfortable and multi-functional, providing private space for interviews and forensic examinations, and some may also offer sexual health and counselling services.
My Experience of EMDR & Treating Trauma

Steph talks about how Eye-Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy helped her to heal after her experience of rape.
Jessica's story

Jessica shares her story of sexual assault and rape and how she started her journey of healing.
Who We Are

The Survivors Trust is the largest umbrella agency for specialist sexual violence support services in Europe. Our member agencies provide information, advice, support and therapy to over 100,000 individual survivors each year. Our services work with victims and survivors of all ages and genders, of all forms of sexual violence, sexual abuse and sexual exploitation.
RAINS (Ritual Abuse Information Network and Support)

Information & advice service for survivors of ritual abuse.
"It'll only take ten minutes"

"For him it was just ten minutes of his life and meant nothing. For me, it has affected the rest of mine ever since." Josephine shares her story in the hopes to inspire other survivors to not be ashamed to share their story.
Our Helpline

Our free, national helpline provides information, advice and emotional support to all survivors of rape, sexual abuse and violence, and childhood sexual abuse. No matter when the abuse took place, we're here to support you.
Izzy's Story

I don’t know how my story will impact anybody, but I know it needs to be told. And if this story reaches you, I am so proud of you and your strength.
Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVA)

Many specialist support agencies offer an Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (ISVA) service to victims/survivors of rape and sexual assault. An ISVA is trained to look after your needs, and to ensure that you receive care and understanding.

If You Need Help Now

Rape and sexual violence are horrific and traumatic crimes. Many victims and survivors experience a wide range of emotions after rape or sexual assault and are often too shocked to act in the immediate moments. There is no right or wrong way to react or feel. Read more