Counselling and advocacy

 

SERICC counselling service

 

SERICC recognises that women and girls who have experienced sexual abuse and violence may need access to safe, women-only spaces. Women-only support is offered within SERICC premises, while some services delivered across Essex take place in multi-use buildings. In all settings, appropriate measures are in place to ensure safety, privacy and dignity.

 

SERICC operates women-only referral pathways. This means that when women and girls first contact SERICC, they will only ever speak with or meet women workers throughout their support journey.

 

SERICC provides dedicated specialist services for men and boys who have experienced sexual violence. Where preferred, counselling can be provided by a male counsellor.

 

SERICC's counsellors will never force you to talk about anything you are not ready to.  The counsellor will answer any questions you have about counselling or other support needs.

 

SERICC advocacy service

 

An advocate is someone who can help you speak up so that your views are heard, and your rights are met.  An advocate is someone who will listen to your problem and will work with you to find ways to put it right by either helping you to talk to the right people or just being with you through difficult circumstances. SERICC has Independent Sexual Violence Accredited Advisers (ISVAA).  These are trained women who can support you if you feel unhappy about something that is happening to you and you don't feel that an agency, you are already involved with, are listening to you.

 

All of SERICC's counsellors and advocacy workers have successfully completed accredited training. If you want to know more about training please ask when you phone or when you come to your appointment.