1.What is an ISVA? Independent Sexual Violence Advocates/Advisors (ISVAs) are trained to provide emotional and practical support to survivors of rape, sexual abuse and sexual assault who have reported to the police or are considering reporting to the police. 2. What was your journey like to become an ISVA? HG: After graduating from University
Read MoreFrom 9 February, the SARSVL helpline opening hours will be: Monday 12-2pm Tuesday 8-10pm Wednesday 6-8pm Sunday 6.30-8.30pm The SARSVL helpline provides free, anonymous, confidential emotional listening support to women and girls with experience of sexual violence, at any point in their lives. For more information about the helpline, the different contact options, and
Read MoreSARSVL questionnaire (service users) SARSVL are in the process of devising our new 5 year business plan which will outline the priorities for our charity from March 2021 through to April 2026. It is important to us that women that have accessed or are still accessing SARSVL services are able to influence our charity: we
Read MoreSARSVL are particularly proud to celebrate our continued partnership with Lord Mayor Councillor Eileen Taylor and her Charity Committee by launching the new Lord Mayor’s Charity Appeal online Virtual Fundraising Pack, which you can download here. You can also download this accompanying editable poster, to share with everyone how much you’ve raised! The VF Pack includes
Read MoreOne of our service users spoke to BBC Look North for a report aired on the 27th January about the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the court system for women who are reporting rape and sexual violence. Watch the clip below: Our Advocacy service is here to support women and girls over the
Read MoreWe are now accepting self-referrals from women who would like to access 8 sessions of short-term counselling or pre-trial therapy, and are able to work remotely. Short Term counselling offers the opportunity to develop well-being strategies through reconnecting with and developing internal and external resources over the course of 8 sessions. This could minimise the
Read MoreWe are currently based in Leeds city centre premises in an accessible, women only safe space used to accommodate the team and deliver services. We need to expand our premises to accommodate existing services and allow for future proofing the expansion of services being delivered by our team. Our team has adapted well to Covid
Read MoreBeing a Helpline Volunteer at SARSVL gives you the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of women and girls affected by sexual violence and rape. It’s also a good opportunity to meet new people, learn about the Rape Crisis movement and develop within a feminist organisation. The SARSVL Helpline is made up
Read MoreThe SARSVL Advocacy Service has recently reopened their referrals so that women and girls over the age of 16 can be referred in to access their support. The Advocacy Service provides information and emotional and practical support to women and girls over 16 who have made a report of rape or sexual violence to the
Read MoreStatement on Srebrenica Memorial Day 2020 This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide, in which over 8,000 Muslim men and boys were murdered in the worst atrocity on European soil since the Second World War, simply because of their religious identity. As an organisation that works with survivors of sexual violence, we
Read MoreYour call should be answered immediately during our helpline opening times, unless we’re on another call. If we’re closed or on another call you can leave us a message and we’ll call you back.