Sexual violence

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Sexual violence

LGBT INDEPENDENT SEXUAL VIOLENCE ADVOCACY SERVICE

RSVP is offering their specialised LGBT Independent Sexual Violence Advocates (ISVAs) from the LGBT Centre. They offer practical and emotional support if you have experienced rape, sexual assault or sexual abuse either recently or in the past. We can offer advice, advocacy & support if this is directly impacting on your life in any way and feel you need help to cope with a difficult situation or aspect of your life. This may include you reporting to the police, we can inform you of the options and discuss the support available to you. The decision to report will always be yours.

Sexual abuse and sexual violence is not always violent and often can be perpetrated by people known to you & well liked, in positions of trust, using alcohol or drugs and can included grooming & sexual exploitation. If you have ever felt coerced, pressured, manipulated or befriended &rewarded for sexual acts that you do not readily want to engage in or willingly consent to. You may feel confused about whether you have been abused please do not hesitate to contact us to talk through your concerns. The perpetrator is responsible for their behaviour and actions. You are not to blame.

Our service is welcoming, easily accessible & client centred. You will always be treated with respect & value by genuine & non-judgemental, approachable & professional specialised LGBT ISVAs who will ensure that your views, opinions, wishes and feelings are respected and listened to by all agencies and people involved.

We offer inclusivity, understanding and support to all genders & sexualities including but not exclusive to lesbian, gay, bi, transsexual, transgender, non-binary, non cis, genderqueer, MSM, androgynous, intersex and pansexual.

The ISVAs offer:

Advice, advocacy, support for any matter arising directly from sexual assault or sexual abuse
Help and emotional support through police and court processes
Liaising with other agencies and organisations on your behalf
Support accessing services for issues such as intimate health, mental health, work, family, finances, addictions, housing, self harm, domestic abuse etc
Updates on the progress of any investigation or practical interventions
Compassionate support to you and those supporting you
Referral to other services so you can get the professional, compassionate help you need
Referrals to support services for partners, children, parents, or friends who may also be affected

This is not a comprehensive list; we’re happy to talk further about what sort of support we can offer you.

Please contact Beverley Higgins, your specialist LGBT ISVA for an appointment, informal discussion or referral on:

Office Tel: 0121 643 0301 then press option 2 Email: isva@rsvporg.co.uk

Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common condition in which the balance of bacteria inside the vagina becomes disrupted.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) caused by bacteria. It is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the UK.

Genital Warts / HPV

Genital Warts (sometimes called anogenital warts) are a curable sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by human papillomaviruses or HPVs.

Gonorrhoea & Drug Resistant Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea is a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) caused by bacteria. It is the second most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection in the UK.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a viral infection which affects the liver. It can be passed on in various ways including sexually from some sex acts.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver and is caused by the hepatitis B virus which can be passed on sexually.

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a viral infection affecting the liver. It has usually been associated with injecting drug use but we now know that it can be passed on sexually, particularly with certain sex practices.

Herpes

Genital herpes is a common infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It can cause painful blisters on the genitals and the surrounding areas.

LGV (Lymphogranuloma Venereum)

Lymphogranuloma venereum, or LGV, is a curable sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a bacterium (a type of germ) from the chlamydia family.

Non Gonococcal Urethritis (NGU)

NGU is inflammation of the male urethra (water pipe) which can occur due to various causes hence the condition sometimes being called Non-Gonococcal Urethritis (NGU).

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

PID is the name given to inflammation of female reproductive organs: the womb (or uterus) fallopian tubes, ovaries and surrounding tissues.

Pubic Lice (Crabs)

Pubic lice are tiny parasitic insects that live on coarse human body hair, such as pubic hair.

Scabies

Scabies is a common and very itchy skin condition caused by a tiny mite called Sarcoptes Scabiei.

Shigella

Shigella is an infectious bacterial infection. It is often a cause of food poisoning but can easily be passed on during sex.

Syphilis

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a bacteria.

Trichomonas Vaginalis (TV)

TV is a curable sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a protozoon called Trichomonas vaginalis, or ‘TV’. Protozoa are tiny germs similar to bacteria.

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If you have any enquiries, questions, or if we can help in any way, we’d love to hear from you

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