GERRY SUTCLIFFE MP
3rd Floor, 76 Kirkgate
Bradford, BD1 1SZ
Tel: 01274 400007, Fax: 01274 400020
Email:
www.gerrysutcliffe.org.uk
Victim Advice
This advice sheet provides information and additional support available for victims of crime, domestic violence, bullying (at school and at work) and rape.
If you feel upset and would like someone to talk to the Samaritans provide confidential, emotional support 24 hours a day.
National Helpline: 08457 90 90 90
Local Branch: 6 Mornington Villas, Manningham, BRADFORD, BD8 7HB
Phone: 01274 547547 Email:
Usual hours open to receive callers: 10am -10pm
Victim Support
Victim Support is a national charity that helps people who are a victim of crime by offering support to help victims deal with their experience. Visit the Victim Support website (http://www.victimsupport.org.uk/vs_england_wales/index.php), or call the helpline
to find your nearest Victim Support Advice Centre.
Download ‘Victims of Crime- Support and Advice’ Leaflet http://www.cjsonline.gov.uk/downloads/application/pdf/VOC_WESTYORKS.pdf
Download ‘A Code of Practice for Victims of Crime’ Leaflet
http://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/files/docs/A%20guide%20for%20victims.pdf
Or contact Bradford Witness Care Unit:
Telephone: 01274 301233, Email:
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence currently claims the lives of around two women a week, and affects millions more people. The Government is determined to prevent domestic violence happening or recurring, to protect and support its victims, and to bring offenders to justice.
What is domestic violence?
Domestic violence is any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between adults who are or have been in a relationship together, or between family members, regardless of gender or sexuality.
What help is available for victims of domestic violence?
If you are thinking about leaving an abusive relationship and are worried about your safety and that of your child, there is help available.
In an emergency you should call the police on 999. Domestic violence is taken very seriously by the police and the courts. There are many support groups and organisations ready to offer you advice and help, whether emergency refuge accommodation, practical planning and advice or just someone to listen. The first step is to call the freephone 24 Hour National Domestic Violence Helpline.
0808 200 0247
Bradford Women’s Aid Tel: 01274 660052
Email:
www.refuge.org.uk /
www.womensaid.org.uk
Download Violence in the Home, Safety Booklet here- http://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/files/docs/fact_files_domestic_violence_booklet.pdf
Bullying – At School
Bullying is defined by the DfES as deliberately hurtful behaviour, repeated over a period of time, where it is difficult for those being bullied to defend themselves. The three main types of bullying are:
· physical (hitting, kicking, theft)
· verbal (name calling, racist remarks)
· indirect (spreading rumours, excluding someone from social groups)
Head teachers have a legal duty under the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 to draw up procedures to prevent bullying among pupils and to bring these procedures to the attention of staff, parents and pupils.
-Download ‘Bullying- A Charter for Action’ for use in schools. http://publications.teachernet.gov.uk/eOrderingDownload/AbCharter.pdf
If you are a victim of bullying it is important to speak to someone you trust about what is happening. Perhaps you can confide in a friend, parent or teacher at school to help you talk through the problems. If you are being bullied at school ask a teacher to go through with you the school’s guidelines and written policy on bullying. If you would like to speak to a trained adult who is there to listen to your problems you can phone ChildLine on 0800 1111, Samaritans on 08457 909090, NSPCC Child Protection Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or Kidscape Helpline - 020-7730 3300.
Further Information from organisations there to help you:
Bullying Online help a wide range of pupils, parents, teachers, and youth organisations giving advice by email. The charity has been in operation more than seven years and in this time the charity has answered more than 42,500 emails many of them from children and parents in total despair. To contact them, visit the website www.bullying.co.uk or email
http://anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/
The Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA) was founded by NSPCC and National Children's Bureau in 2002. It brings together 65 organisations into one network with the aim of reducing bullying and creating safer environments in which children and young people can live, grow, play and learn.
http://www.childline.org.uk/Bullying.asp
Childline offer help and advice about how to cope with bullying. They have information and advice helpsheets to download for children, parents and teachers.
www.kidscape.org.uk
Kidscape produce leaflets and booklets about bullying. Please visit their website or call their helpline for more information 0207730 3300.
http://www.nspcc.org.uk/under18/bullying/bullying_wda38474.html
NSPCC is a national children’s charity which has information helping victims of bullying and advice for those affected by bullying. Visit their website or call the helpline - 0808 800 5000.
Workplace Bullying
If you genuinely feel you are being singled out for unfair treatment, intimidation or humiliation by a boss or colleague at work then you may be experiencing bullying.
Amicus defines bullying at work as-
“Persistent, offensive, abusive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour, abuse of power or unfair penal sanctions, which makes the recipient feel upset, threatened, humiliated or vulnerable, which undermines their self-confidence and which may cause them to suffer stress.”
It's not possible to make a legal claim directly about bullying, but complaints can be made under laws covering discrimination and harassment. Before you consider taking action, it may be best to talk over your concerns with a senior colleague. If you need to seek further advice, an employee representative (e.g. Trade Union Official) may be able to help, or someone in the human resources department. While this process is ongoing, it is important to keep a written record including any relevant documents.
If you cannot solve the problem informally, the next step is to make a formal complaint by following the employer’s grievance procedure. To find out more about grievance procedures visit Directgov.uk http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Employees/ResolvingWorkplaceDisputes/DG_10027992 or call the ACAS helpline for advice (08457 474 747).
If the problem continues after you have followed your employer’s grievance procedure you may wish to consider legal action, which may involve an employment tribunal. It is important to get professional advice before you get to this stage. It is not possible to go to a tribunal directly over bullying, but complaints can be made under laws covering discrimination or harassment. For more information visit Directgov.uk http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Employees/DiscriminationAtWork/DG_10026670
If you would like to find out more about seeking legal advice visit the Community Legal Service website or call them.
Further help and information:
http://www.acas.org.uk/
The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) offers free, confidential and impartial advice on all employment rights issues. You can call the Acas helpline on 08457 474747 from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm Monday to Friday.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Employees/DiscriminationAtWork/DG_10026670
Directgov.uk provide information and advice about bullying and how to stop it from happening to you.
http://www.andreaadamstrust.org
The Andrea Adams Trust is a charity committed to preventing workplace bullying.
Andrea Adams Trust 01273 704 900 (10.00 am to 4.00 pm, Monday to Friday)
Address: Bradford Citizens Advice Bureau, 17 Canal Road, Bradford, BD1 4AT
Telephone: 01274 390170
Your local Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) can provide free and impartial advice.
www.worksmart.org.uk
If you are a member of a trade union, you can get help, advice and support from them.
To find out more about Trade Unions and how to join visit the Work Smart website http://www.worksmart.org.uk/unionfinder/
http://www.tuc.org.uk/tuc/rights_bullyatwork.cfm
The TUC publish a series of free booklets explaining your rights at work and dealing with other common workplace problems.
http://www.jfo.org.uk/
Providing information on support groups and networks for employees who have experienced bullying.
Rape
In an emergency always dial 999. Police training and police practice surrounding sexual assault has improved dramatically over the last few years. You should expect to be taken seriously, treated sensitively and with respect and to be kept informed of progress by the police.
Report any incidents to the police as soon as possible, as medical evidence ideally needs to be collected within 72 hours of an attack. To retain vital forensic evidence, avoid washing or changing clothes.
You have the right to take someone with you for support when reporting an incident. If English is not your first language or you have a hearing or speech impairment you have a right to an interpreter. You have the right to ask for a female officer and be examined by a female GP.
Bradford South Police Division can be contacted on 01274 376440 or 01274 376825
There are many support organisations available, some of which are listed below.
Rape Crisis
Email:
Website: www.rapecrisis.org.uk
Bradford Rape Crisis & Sexual Abuse Survivors Service
Helpline: (01274) 308270
Postal address: BRC&SASS, c/o 19-25 Sunbridge Road, Bradford, BD1 2AY
Aiming to fight back against sexual violence towards women in the following ways:
· by providing appropriate and accessible services by and for women, as an empowering alternative to psychiatric, medical and statutory services.
· the provision of woman-centred therapy and counselling services, information and supportfor women survivors of rape and sexual assault.
· campaigning and public education in order to break down the myths that surround and perpetuate sexual violence and to gain greater justice for women.
BRC&SASS provide:
1. free confidential helpline offering support and information.
2. information about police and court procedures, domestic violence, health issues, criminal injuries compensation.
3. therapy and counselling provided by qualified and trainee counsellors and therapists
4. groups for survivors.
Project Jyoti is a group of Black and Asian women working within BRC&SASS. Offering all the above services including culturally sensitive therapeutic counselling. Counselling and helpline services are available in Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi and English.
Surviving Trauma After Rape
A free support service for females and males aged 14 and over, offering counselling, emotional and practical support throughout West Yorkshire
Helpline No: - 01924 298 954.
E-Mail Address: -
Website:- www.starproject.co.uk
Rights of Women
Advice Line 020 7251 6577 (telephone) or 020 7490 2562 (textphone)
www.rightsofwomen.org.uk/
Rights of Women is a women’s voluntary organisation committed to informing, educating and empowering women concerning their legal rights. Rights of Women offer free confidential legal advice to women on their advice line. They offer specialist advice in family law, divorce and relationship breakdown, children and contact issues, domestic violence, sexual violence, discrimination and lesbian parenting.
Truth About Rape
Website: www.truthaboutrape.co.uk
Truth About Rape, c/o CER, The Pankhurst Centre, Department 5, 60-62 Nelson Street
Manchester, M13 9WP
The Truth About Rape campaign is run by a group of women who are committed to making a difference to how society understands rape. The campaign aims to challenge myths about rape, and bring the truth and realities of rape back onto the public agenda. More specifically, it is a women only campaign that aims to:
· challenge the myths surrounding rape and to tell the truth about rape
· inform the public of the extent and nature of rape
· bring the issue of rape back onto the public agenda, ensuring the voices of women survivors are heard
· raise public awareness about how the Criminal Justice System is failing women who have been raped
· campaign for more funding and resources nationally for Rape Crisis Centres
Email:
Website: www.truthaboutrape.co.uk
LINKS TO OTHER PROJECTSSt Marys Sexual Assault Referral Centre
St Marys Hospital
Hathersage Road
Manchester
M13 0JH / Tel: 0161 276 6515
Fax: 0161 276 6691
Email:
The St Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre was established in 1986 and was the first of its kind in the UK, providing a comprehensive and co-ordinated forensic, counselling and medical aftercare service to adults in Greater Manchester who have been raped or sexually assaulted. The centre operates an open referral system on a 24hr basis whereby clients are able to access the full range of services without reporting to the police.
The St Mary's Centre is situated in a specially designed suite of rooms within St Mary's Hospital, Manchester.
The Reach Centre
The Rhona Cross Centre
18 Jesmond Road West
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE2 4PQ / Tel: 0191 212 1551
Fax: 0191 212 1547
Email:
Website: www.reachcentre.org.uk
R.E.A.C.H (Rape, Examination, Advice, Counselling, Help) opened two centres in 1991, one in Sunderland and one in Newcastle, providing services for the whole of the Northumberland and Tyne & Wear areas. This is a crisis intervention service, providing free, confidential, forensic medical examinations and/or short-term counselling and support for adults regardless of whether they wish to report to the police. Both of these Centres are comfortable and welcoming, with fully equipped medical examination suites, interview facilities and quiet rooms for counselling. Specially trained police officers can be contacted for information and advice, if needed. Visits to the centres are welcomed by arrangements with the staff, and telephone queries will be answered promptly.
Juniper Lodge Sexual Assault Response Centre
Lodge 1
Leicestershire General Hospital
Gwedden Road
Leicester
LE5 4PW / Tel & Fax: 0116 273 5461
24hr Helpline: 0116 273 3330
Juniper Lodge opened in May 1999 to provide multi-agency support to survivors of rape and sexual assault in Leicestershire. The service offers an appropriate environment for examination for forensic evidence, statement taking and support work, whether or not clients wish police involvement. Telephone support, face-to-face counselling, information from specially trained police officers or a medical examination is offered to all clients. The Lodge is a dedicated centre that is fully furnished and decorated in a comfortable and non-threatening manner. It is located within the Leicester General Hospital Grounds in a convenient but discreet location. The Lodge is easily accessible by public transport and by car.
The Haven
Caldecot Centre
15 - 22 Caldecot Road
London
SE5 9RS / Tel: 020 7346 1599
The Haven has been set up between the Metropolitan Police and King's College Hospital NHS Trust to provide comprehensive care for female and male complainants of sexual assault and rape. It aims to provide service users with a sensitive environment that can provide support about reporting to the police, the optimal collection of forensic and/or intelligence evidence (anonymously if desired); as well as being able to offer medical (e.g tests and treatments for sexually transmitted infections including HIV, emergency contraception and pregnancy testing) and psycho-social input (e.g. assessment, counselling and referral services). It can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week by victims of sexual assault/rape themselves or via the police. It is set in a self-contained unit within the sexual health department of King's College hospital rather than in (or annexed to) a police station. In order to access The Haven service it is necessary to telephone first in order to book an appointment.
Telephone (020) 7346 1599 if contacting The Haven between 8.30 am to 5pm Monday to Friday. Outside of these hours or during the weekend dial (020) 7737 4000 which will tell you how to get through to the emergency bleep operator who will then deal with your request for The Haven service.
Rape Crisis Federation
Wales and England
7 Mansfield Road
Nottingham
NG1 3FB / Tel: 0115 934 8474
Fax: 0115 934 8470
Minicom: 0115 934 8473
Email:
Website: www.rapecrisis.co.uk
The Rape Crisis Federation was launched in October 1996 and exists to provide a range of facilities and resources to enable the continuance and development of Rape Crisis Groups throughout Wales and England.
The Federation acts as a referral service to individual women who are seeking advice and/or support around the issues of rape and sexual abuse/assault by putting them in contact with their nearest/local rape and sexual abuse counselling service.
Alternatively, local Rape Crisis Groups can be found in the phone book.
Victim Support
National Office
Cranmer House
39 Brixton Road
London
SW9 6D2 / Tel: 0207 735 9166
Email:
Website: www.victimsupport.org
Victim Support is an independent national charity, working for the rights of victims and their families and for greater awareness for the effects of crime. Trained volunteers based in local schemes contact people following a crime to offer free, confidential, support and advice. People are referred to Victim Support by the police and other organisations, or make direct contact themselves to ask for help.
You can refer yourself to Victim Support by contacting your local scheme, whose telephone number can be found in the phone book.
The Samaritans
10 The Grove
Slough
Berkshire
SL1 1QP / Tel: 01753 216 500
Fax: 01753 775 787
Helpline; 08457 90 90 90 (UK)
1850 609 090 (Republic of Ireland)
Website: www.samaritans.org
The Samaritans is a registered charity based in the UK and Republic of Ireland that provides confidential emotional support to any person who is suicidal or despairing, and that increases public awareness of issues around suicide and depression.
The Samaritans is available 24hrs a day and is totally confidential. Details of your nearest branch can be found in the phone book.
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