Support service
SafeHer verified
CARA (Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse) works with victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse, providing independent, specialist support and promoting and representing their rights and needs.
CARA is a registered charity. We work from our Head Office in Colchester and from outreach premises in Braintree, Chelmsford, Clacton-on-Sea, Colchester, Great Dunmow, Halstead and Harwich. CARA works with victims and survivors of all sexes and gender identities. We seek to provide welcoming, flexible services that respect the unique identity and experiences of each service user. Most CARA services are open to all service-users, regardless of sex or gender identity. We do, however, recognise that women who have experienced sexual violence may need safe, women-only services to help them work through what has happened to them. CARA’s women-only services are: Women-only referral pathways; meaning when you initially contact CARA you will only ever talk with or meet women workers. Women-only service delivery; meaning the services you receive at CARA will be delivered by women workers, unless you have specifically agreed otherwise. A women-only online social group.
What they offer
Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVAs) provide emotional and practical support and information to victims and survivors of both recent and non-recent sexual violence who have reported to the police, or are considering reporting to the police. Our ISVAs support victims and survivors of all ages and all genders.
CARA provides one-to-one counselling support for adult victims and survivors of any type of sexual violence at any point in their lives. We offer confidential, compassionate and specialist support to adults of all genders, backgrounds and abilities. We aim to create a safe space where people feel believed, listened to and treated with respect.
CARA provides therapeutic support for young people who have experienced any type of sexual abuse. This service is usually offered to young people at secondary school, and up to the age of 19. Our team of young person’s practitioners provide support for young people in a safe and non-judgemental environment. They are trained to deal with the impact of rape and childhood sexual abuse on young people, as well as to provide support with a wide range of other issues including child sexual exploitation, ritual abuse, flashbacks, self-harm, eating disorders and drugs and alcohol misuse.
