Women's Support Network

Women's Support Network
22 Hoylake Road, Saltersgill,
Middlesbrough TS4 3JL
Support Line 01642 822331
Business Line 01642 822335
Fax 01642 851561
Email deborah@wsnsupport.org

RAPE CRISIS CENTRE AND COUNSELLING SERVICE

Why Counselling?

When women or girls have experienced rape or child sexual abuse they may have intense feelings of confusion, stress, anxiety, anger, despair, grief, isolation and fear; it can also lead to self-blame, self-harm, eating disorders, mental health problems and lack of self esteem.

When experiencing any of these feelings it can be difficult to turm to relatives or friends for support or you may find they don't understand you.

This is when counselling may be a useful tool.

What is Counselling?

Counselling is when two individuals, a counsellor and a client, meet in a private and confidential setting. At Women's Support Network we offer a 'women only' policy, which is a safe and supportive environment. You will not be judged or offered advice, the counsellor at Women's Support Network will work through your issues with you to find ways of coping and help you to take control of your life again.

How do I arrange to see a counsellor?

This can be done in a number of ways, by referral from your GP, by phone or letter or through other agencies you may be in contact with, or in person.

You may wish to contact us yourself by phone, in this case you will be given an appointment, time and date together with the name of the counsellor you will be seeing.

What happens at my first session with a counsellor?

At your first visit to Women's Support Network Counselling Service you will have an introductory session, this will give you an opportunity to discuss your expectations with the counsellor. The counsellor will explain confidentiality policies, duration of sessions, availability and the models of counselling used at Women's Support Network, at the end you will know whether counselling is right for you.

Women's Support Network offers a free and confidential counselling service for women and girls over 14 years, who have suffered sexual abuse, rape whether in childhood or as an adult. At Women's Support Network our counsellors are qualified and highly experienced in dealing with these issues.

Hopefully we have answered some of your questions about counselling, if there is anything we have missed please feel free to telephone and ask to speak to a Sexual Violence Counsellor.

SEXUAL ABUSE AND RAPE
ADVOCACY SERVICE
This is a free and confidential service offered to
women or girls over the age of 14 who have been
raped or sexually abused at any time in their
lives.
What is an Advocate?
The role of the Advocate is to represent the Client
and ensure that all of her rights are met, whether
it be with the -
• Police
• Doctors or Hospitals
• Housing
• Solicitors
• Benefits Agencies
• Or any other Service Provider
The Advocate will provide emotional and
practical support whether the rape or abuse has
been reported to the police or not.
If it has been reported to the police the Advocate
will then provide a way of keeping the woman
informed about the case, working to ensure that
she is represented throughout the court process.
The advocate will also:
• Arrange Pre-trial visits to the Court
• Explain the Court Process
• Support the woman to Court
Dealing with any kind of Agency
or Authority can be daunting:
the Advocate is there to offer
support and reassurance,
emotionally and practically.

Opening Hours
9.00am - 4.30pm
Supported by the Home Office
and The Big Lottery Fund
Cleveland Domestic Violence Forum Reg. Charity No. 1064568