Meet Safelink: The organisation supporting sexual violence survivors in Bristol

TW: Sexual violence

Safelink is a free, independent sexual violence advisor (ISVA) organisation, that provides emotional and practical support for victims of sexual assault. We spoke to Ellie and Sophie, who work for Safelink, to understand how they support survivors of sexual violence in Bristol.

They are based in Bristol, with their offices located on Queen’s Ave. Their services help victims across Somerset and Gloucestershire.

They are a separate organisation from Avon and Somerset Police, so survivors can be assured the police will not be involved (unless you specify you want them to be, and an appropriate contact can be made).

What do they do?

When you speak to Safelink they will assign you an ISVA, who will support you in whatever way possible. They are a free service with no waiting list.

They are here to help support survivors in all areas, getting your life back together, helping with housing, benefits, help with employers and schooling, and supporting your family. They can also signpost you to follow-up services.

They will explain and talk through all your options, helping you understand the choices. This is not necessarily related to the criminal justice system.

It’s important to remember that you can get help whether the assault was recent, or in the past.

Police do not have to be involved

You do not at any point have to involve the police. You can give as much or as little information as possible and your ISVA will never pressure you into anything. Safelink will explain all of your options, listen to your needs and provide guidance.

“We can work with people who don’t report at all,” they told us.

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If you do choose to report, they will guide you through the process, being your advocate and support.

Safelink services are tailored to your needs. You can contact them just once, or for ongoing support – they can help you decide what to do next, and how to move forward.

Sophie explained: “We provide that emotional support, signposting to other services. Whether that be finding a social network where they live or encouraging them to find coping mechanisms.”

If you do want to get police involved, but are hesitant to speak with them directly, your ISVAs can be your single point of access. This means all communication will go through them, so you only have to speak with one person.

Safety support plans

Your ISVA will create a tailored safety support plan to support you throughout the aftermath of sexual violence. They can look at all areas of your life that have been impacted.

Ellie explained: “Sexual violence can massively throw up family situations, living arrangements or relationships.”

The plans will link to local services and make referrals, which can support you with a number of related issues including housing, finances, health, university, benefits, work and mental wellbeing. They will be your advocates working to ensure you feel safer in all aspects of life.

You are completely in control of the support you are given, nothing will be done without your approval. Sophie told us: “We’ll get involved as much as you want, so anything we would do you’re completely in control of what happens and what is spoken about.”

Your ISVA can write letters, and liaise with council workers, university staff or landlords to ensure you feel safe. This is completely independent of whether you choose to report or not.

Access to support

Sexual violence can impact all aspects of someone’s life. Safelink can support your mental and physical health. They can support you with GP appointments, sexual health checkups and physical health issues.

Your ISVA will guide you through the process, helping you access specialist mental health support support. While waiting lists for this is long, Ellie explained they “can hold someone while they’re waiting for that therapy”.

Safelink also offers peer support groups for survivors. They are formed of small groups, (six maximum) meeting in a safe, closed setting to discuss their feelings, progress, and learn from each other. The programme runs over 10 weekly sessions, each that has its own curated theme to lead discussions.

They can be a great option to open up about your feelings, especially for those who don’t have another outlet for their emotions. Virtual support groups are also available via WhatsApp if in-person is not feasible.

‘A big part of what we do is giving them validation from the outset’

The most important thing to remember as a survivor is that it is never your fault. Services like Safelink are available to provide you with the best support possible. Whether you choose to report or not, your experience will be validated.

It’s important to remember that your ISVA will have no judgment toward you. They are there to support you in any capacity. It’s common that, after tragic events like sexual assault, people turn to alcohol, or drugs, as a coping mechanism. Your ISVA can support you to make different choices or point you toward external methods to help.

To get in contact, you can call them on 03333231543. Their office is open 8:30-5:30 on weekdays, located in Embassy House, Queen’s Ave, Bristol BS8 1SA. 

An online, live chat is also available 10am to 4pm on weekdays. 

For more information, see their website.