Rape is the penetration of the vagina, anus, and/or mouth by a penis, without the explicit consent of the person.  Consent by coercion is not acceptable, so if you felt you had no option Rape is considered to be a very serious crime and carries a maximum life sentence if a perpetrator is convicted.   Some people are sexually penetrated by an implement or object and this is considered to be equally as serious as rape and carries the same maximum sentence of life imprisonment if a perpetrator is convicted.

Sexual assault is any form of a sexual act, which is inflicted on someone without his or her explicit consent. It can involve forcing or coercing someone to witness or participate in any sexual acts, apart from penetration of the mouth with the penis, the penetration of anus or vagina (however slight) with any object, or the penis, which is classed as rape.

If someone does not consent to any kind of sexual activity then this is illegal.  The law has changed and now says that if someone is drunk or under the influence of drugs that they are not capable of giving consent to any kind of sexual activity.   

Child Abuse is any type of sexual assault on a child under the age of sixteen. When this assault comes from members of the family it is called incest. The type of assault can vary from unwanted kissing or touching to oral, vaginal or anal intercourse. Research suggests that chid sexual abuse is very common with 1 in 2 girls experiencing some form of sexual abuse before the age of 18 (from flashing to rape) , one third of these before the age of 12. The vast majority of children will be assaulted by people who are known to them, not strangers as many people often believe. 

When people are sexually assaulted there is a myth that they will be most likely to be raped by a stranger.  Whilst stranger rape does of course happen, because most perpetrators are known to the victim the most likely place for a rape or sexual assault to occur is within the home of the victim or the perpetrator. The most serious sexual assaults are most likely to be committed by known men and less serious are most likely to be committed by strangers.

• Nearly three-quarters (74%) of incidents involving partners or ex partners  occurred in the victim’s own home and a further 16 per cent occurred in the offender’s home.
• In some of these cases the perpetrator might be in the home of the victim without their permission (this often happens in domestic violence situations where the abuser continues to stalk and harass the victim). Attacks by ‘dates’ occur in a variety of locations, but are most likely to occur in the home of the perpetrator.
• The vast majority of women who are raped or sexually assaulted are raped by a partner, ex partner or a man known to them.

The vast majority of women who are raped or sexually assaulted are attacked by men who are known to them, usually partners or ex-partners.  The most serious sexual assaults are committed by known men, and the less serious often by strangers.  However, of course stranger abuse can occur and does have a profound impact on anybody who experiences it.  Most rapes occur within the home of the victim, the home of the abuser, or in a place where the person who is assaulted thought they would be safe.

Whilst it’s true that some women are raped after they have been drinking or taking drugs, this does not mean that they ‘cry rape’ because they can’t remember consenting to sex.  It is now an offence to have sex with someone who is too drunk or incapacitated to give informed consent.  It is down to a man to prove that the person he has had sex with was in a position to give informed consent, and forensic tests can show the amount of drugs or alcohol that was in the victim’s system at the time of the assault. 

Anybody can be raped regardless of their age or what they look like.

Men can be raped and sexually assaulted, and the vast majority of perpetrators are other men.  Men who are raped need the same levels of support and understanding as women and girls who are raped. 

The vast majority of men who rape are in relationships with their victims, and those who aren’t are often in relationships with someone else.  Being sexually frustrated is just an excuse to rape – may people live without sex and do not rape or sexually assault anybody.  Men who rape do so because they can and because they think they will get away with it.

Women have been raped or assaulted should be able to wear whatever they like, and the vast majority of women who are sexually assaulted are not dressed provocatively.  Rapists do not care what a victim is wearing when they are assaulted, but may later use this as an excuse to somehow suggest that they just couldn’t help themselves, or she was giving off ‘signals’ that she was attracted to him.  Many people find other people attractive sexually but they do not rape or sexually assault them.

Anybody should be able to walk the streets at any time of night or day and be safe from any kind of crime, including rape or sexual assault.  This myth blames victims of rape and sexual assault instead of the men who rape. 

Any man who is aroused will desire sex, but even if penetration has occurred if his sexual partner requests that he stops then he can and should do so. Many of us have been interrupted by others (how many of us have small children who often wake up at times) when we have been having sex and we and our partners have had to stop.  Any man can stop at any time and should do so if his partner requests it or he feels she is unhappy or unwilling.

It is part of human nature for us to banter and flirt, but this does not mean that we desire or should have to have sex.  Sex should always be negotiated and should be safe and consensual.  Even if someone kisses and fondles, or engages in any kind of other sexual activity, this does not mean that they want to have sex and they certainly don’t deserve to be raped.  The onus is on men to demonstrate how they have negotiated sex and that they have their partner’s full consent.

Consenting to having a drink or dinner with someone does not mean that a woman consents to sex, regardless of who has paid.  Sex should always be negotiated and should have full consent.  Any pressure or coercion is unacceptable and may result in a rape charge. If a man chooses to pay for something then he must separate this from sexual activity.

Any sexual act that does not have the full and informed consent of the other person is an offence.  Just because you are in a relationship with someone, even if you are married, they still must negotiate consensual safe sex with you on each and every occasion. You always have the right to say no and your partner should always respect this.

When women say no to sex they mean no.  Unfortunately many men will not take no for an answer and will pressurise, coerce or force sex and the choice is taken away from women.  If a woman says no, all men should accept this and women should feel that they have the right to say no without fear of reprisals.

Men do not rape because women say no to them, they rape because they can and because they think they will get away with it.  Many men who rape are in relationships with the women they abuse, or with other women. 

Men who use sex workers do so because they can and believe it is acceptable to exploit and abuse women.  Sex workers are often raped and made to do things they don’t want to do.  They are often assaulted physically by their clients and placed in dangerous and vulnerable situations.  Many men who use sex workers are in relationships and are having sexual relations with their partners.  Many men who use sex workers often rape other women, including their partners.  There are no excuses for rape.

Any sexual assault is an appalling experience for anyone.  Being raped by a stranger or someone that is known to you is a horrific experience.  Just because you know someone, or have had consensual sex with them previously, does not make it any less so.  When men rape someone they know it is a huge breach of their trust and exposes their victims to a whole range of risks and concerns.  Rape is rape regardless of who is the perpetrator.

Although each person is unique, there are some feelings and reactions that most sexual assault victims say that they experience at some stage after being assaulted. Some of these feelings and reactions are:

• Shock and disbelief
• Being afraid and fearful of the rapist
• Guilt and/or shame
• Feeling vulnerable
• Feeling numb
• Withdrawing from life
• Loss of control over their life
• Feeling embarrassed
• Anxiety, shaking, nightmares
• Concern for the rapist
• Wondering “Why me?”
• Feeling Angry
• Feeling Sad
• Problems eating and sleeping

Some survivors have other health problems too.  Many will find themselves unable to return to school/college/work for some time, or go out of the house to do everyday things like shop or meet friends etc. Some will be frightened to return home, especially if the assault happened there. 

If you have been assaulted you may experience some or all of these feelings or symptoms. These may occur immediately, or there may be a delayed reaction weeks or months later. The feelings may be very intense at times and feelings of being out of control are normal. Sometimes the feelings seem to go away for a while and then come back again. Certain situations, such as seeing the abuser, or testifying in court, may intensify the symptoms or cause them to reoccur after a period during which you have been feeling better.

Some people have flashbacks and nightmares and these can be very frightening.  Sometimes survivors say that they experience physical sensations that are connected to what happened to them.  Some survivors experience eating problems, sleep disturbances, headaches, and stomach aches.  They may find that it is very difficult to concentrate on routine activities. They may also experience loss of interest in sex or avoidance of sexual situations.

Fears about personal safety are an almost universal response to a sexual assault. Survivors may become fearful in situations and places where they were never frightened before. During a sexual assault most victims feel powerless and/or terrified of being killed or seriously harmed. Afterwards, they may continue to feel frightened and vulnerable for some considerable time.

Feelings of guilt and shame are common reactions following a sexual assault. Because of misconceptions about rape, some victims blame themselves, doubt their own judgment, or wonder if they were in some way responsible for the assault. Feelings of guilt and self-blame may be reinforced by the reactions of others, who, because of the myths about rape, may blame the victim or criticize his or her behaviour.

Survivors often also feel ashamed. Some victims describe feeling dirty, devalued, and humiliated as a result of a sexual assault. Feelings of shame are often related to the powerlessness and helplessness victims experience during a sexual assault. Shame may also be a reaction to being forced by the perpetrator to participate in the assault that has been perpetrated against them.  The most important thing to know and remember is that whatever the impacts of what has happened to you, that that seeking help by telling someone is the first step to SAYING NO TO FEAR.

Those at risk when sexual violence occurs in a domestic violence situation include:

• Victims – are at risk in a range of ways from their abuser and their behaviour.  Or may be at risk from the use of negative coping strategies.
• Children – are at risk from witnessing, overhearing all types of violence and abuse, including physical and sexual violence, or being directly targeted and abused themselves.  They are also at risk of neglect or the repercussions of trying to cope themselves with violence and abuse.
• Pets – abusers will often target pets to punish victims and children.
• Family/friends/colleagues/neighbours – may be at risk if they try and intervene.
• Perpetrators – if someone being abused feels that they have no choice but to defend themselves then they may get injured or die as a result. 
• Professionals – may find themselves at risk if they intervene and the perpetrator targets them directly.

In Sefton we use a domestic violence risk assessment tool to try and find out how at risk someone is when they are being abused, including the experience of sexual violence.  The key risks of harm and homicide for victims of domestic violence are:

More than one perpetrator increases the risk particularly if the perpetrators know where the victim lives, works or goes.  There is also more risk of serious injury and harm.

If the perpetrator/s are known to their victim then they will be more likely to be able to further assault their victim.

This risk simply links to opportunity for further assault and intimidation and harassment – even if the perpetrator was a stranger if they have stalked their victim, or followed them, and then this significantly increases the risk of serious harm or death. 

A survivor of rape or sexual assault in this context may not know the identity of the perpetrator, but if and when this is established then it is important to consider whether they have a history of violence, particularly sexual violence against other victims.  We also know that many perpetrators are not violent in other contexts we know that where they have a criminal record, particularly for violence, or drug or alcohol related offences, they are less likely to be compliant with any legal interventions, and more likely to use extreme violence.  However, just because your abuser doesn’t have a criminal record this doesn’t mean that they won’t use extreme violence so please don not assume that this means you are safe. 

If the perpetrator is non-compliant with any protective measures then this will significantly increase the risk to any victim and should always be taken seriously.

If the victim has experienced sexual violence previously from the same perpetrator then this can have even more devastating affects on the victim.  Often victims in this position may feel unable to cope with multiple traumas and can in some cases self harm or even attempt or commit suicide.  Never be alone with what has happened to you, it’s not your fault, reduce this risk by seeking help from support agencies as soon as possible.

Where someone has multiple experiences of violence and abuse this has devastating effects on them, and can lead to the feeling that it is their fault that they have been repeatedly victimised.  Where they are not provided with support, or do not feel able to disclose, or are not believed, then these impacts are further compounded and sometimes result in the survivor feeling unable to cope and even using drugs and alcohol to try and deal with what has happened to them.  Often victims in this position may feel unable to cope with multiple traumas and can in some cases self harm or even attempt or commit suicide.  Never be alone with what has happened to you, it’s not your fault, reduce this risk by seeking help from support agencies as soon as possible. 

Being involved in the sex industry exposes anybody to a greater level of vulnerability to sexual violence, and abuse.  It becomes very difficult for a victim/survivor to manage these risks and escape from those who may harm them.  They may also have drug and alcohol misuse issues, and often have histories of previous abuse. 

If the abuser has access to weapons, or is prepared to use weapons of any kind then injuries are likely to be more severe and the victim/survivor are more likely to be killed or seriously injured.  It is important to consider whether a perpetrator will have access to weapons via their job, or because of a hobby etc.  Remember though that all of us do have access to weapons including kitchen knives, household objects, so it’s important to work with the victim/survivor  to get them to consider this as they safety plan

A victim/survivor will be an expert on their abuser, they know what has happened to them and if a victim/survivor believes that their perpetrator could seriously harm or kill them, or someone else, then they should always share this information and be taken seriously. But remember sometimes it is often human nature to play down the seriousness of abuse and to think that whilst your abuser is capable of some very dangerous behaviour, they may not be capable of killing someone.  Threats to kill should always be taken seriously as we know many abusers tell somebody before hand that they are prepared to take this course of action before they do it. The perpetrator may have threatened to hurt or kill the victim/survivor, their children, family members or anybody else important to them.  Threats of serious violence, and to kill, can effectively immobilise a victim and prevent the from recovering from their trauma.

If the perpetrator has got a history of lighting fires/arson, or threatened to use fire to abuse the victim or her children/family/friends then this should be taken very seriously as fire kills rapidly or can cause serious life limiting injuries.

We know from homicide reviews that abusers who stalk and harass their victims often go on to cause serious harm and kill.  It means that they may know where a victim lives, works and can find ways to access them very easily.  Harassment and stalking behaviour, is part of emotional and psychological abuse, and is used by the perpetrator to isolate and control their victim.  Please do not underestimate how serious this behaviour is and report this behaviour to the police, and also keep a keep a diary of this behaviour, and any other evidence (notes, cards, text messages, call logs, voice mails, contacts to social networking sites, to friends and relatives etc) and share it with any professionals who are supporting them.   

Whilst drinking alcohol or taking drugs, or having mental health problems does not cause violence and abuse we know that they can all increase the risks.  More extreme injuries can occur and this can lead to serious injury or death if the perpetrator decides to further target the victim/survivor. For the victim this can also mean that their level of isolation is increased as they may believe that agencies will not understand them and will judge them, or merely blame the perpetrator’s behaviour on these other issues. 

Strangulation, or preventing someone from breathing in any other way, is the most common form of female homicide. Even where women die as a result of some other kind of behaviour we know that strangulation has often been used previously to control and abuse them. We also know that abusers may also target children in this way and this should always be taken extremely seriously. There can be serious health implications as a result of strangulation or any other restriction of breathing. If this has happened to you then please look at our information for victims of strangulation. If you are a professional working with someone who has been a victim of strangulation then please look at our information for advocates tool.

If the victim believes that the perpetrator if likely to further abuse them then this should always be seen as a significant risk factor. It is important to understand and establish exactly what the victim believes the perpetrator, or others acting on their behalf, may do and to whom.  However, whilst in most cases the victim is best placed to tell us as professionals exactly what the perpetrator is capable of, sometimes they are in denial and minimise the extent of the abuse they are experiencing. 

Isolation is a tactic used by sexual violence perpetrators to prevent their victims from seeking help and disclosing.  The more isolated a victim is the more likely their abuser is to be able to increase the level of violence and abuse, prevent them from telling someone, and also seriously harming or killing them.  Victims might be isolated from family and friends and may have very little access to social or support networks that could assist them to overcome the trauma of rape or sexual assault.  Where a victim has very little support or help then they will often struggle to make sense of what has happened to them and will feel isolated and alone.  Victims may also become more desperate and feel they have no choice but to take their own life just to try and escape from the awful situation they find themselves in.  It is important that anybody who has been raped or sexually assaulted seeks help from specialist agencies as soon as they can.

We know that abusers will use these issues during rape or sexual assault, and may use them to further abuse someone.  We know that a victim of abuse may be less likely to be able to come forward if she is already experiencing oppression or fears discrimination. 

These may have been present either prior to the assault or may be as a result of the assault, or made worse because of the assault.  All of these may mean someone feels depressed, anxious, and/or put themselves at further risk of harm.

The impact of rape and sexual assault may leave some victims feeling desperate.  They will need understanding and support but this should always be viewed as a significant risk factor. Sometimes the impact of abuse means that its victims can see know way out and feel that they have no choice but to take their own lives in order to be free.  It is important to know whether a victim has ever contemplated taking their own life or attempted suicide as this obviously can seriously impact on the level of risk.

Where a victim uses social networking and/or instant messaging sites then these can be used by a perpetrator to monitor and track her movements and behaviour, and considerably increase the risks of serious harm.  Information on social networking sites can also be used by defence teams to prevent victims being taken seriously in court.

Injuries can have long lasting affects on anybody who has been raped or sexually assaulted, and if there is any further risk of assault then even worse injuries may occur.

The affects of rape and sexual violence and abuse often mean that victims will minimize and use denial as coping strategies.  Sometimes victims either don’t understand the risks they are exposed to, or may try to shut off from the risks as a way of trying to move on with their life.  Not understanding the risks can significantly impact upon their ability to safety plan.  It is really important that anybody who is assaulted is offered support and help to understand all of the risks they may face to try and reduce the risks. Knowing about the risks and taking them seriously will increase options for safety and survival.  Seeking help is crucial and thinking the unthinkable is very important.  Where a victim appears to be underestimating the levels of risk posed this poses them at increased risk of danger and harm. 

Where there are 3 or more callouts for any reason to the person who has been assaulted in 12 months this increases the level of risk to them.  Feeling that you have been a repeat victim of crime, even if the offences and perpetrators are different will significantly increase the risks to any victim of sexual violence.

• Rape And Sexual Assault Centre for women in Merseyside : 0151 666 1392
  Outside phone line hours you can email on info@rasamerseyside.org
• Merseyside Safe Place: Sexual Assault Referral Centre: 0151 295 3550
• Merseyside Police: In an emergency please dial 999, in a non emergency contact the Unity Team on 0151 777 1382
• VVAT (Vulnerable Victims Advocacy Team) on 0151 934 5142

If you have recently been raped or sexually assaulted then you want some medical advice on a range of issues such as any injuries you may have, or you might be worried about sexually transmitted diseases or pregnancy.   If you are injured then going to your local Accident and Emergency department, or your GP, as soon as possible is important. 

Whatever happens when you access any help, including medical, it is important to tell someone confidentially what has happened to you and ask them to contact the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC).  Alternatively you can self refer to the SARC if you prefer to do so.  The SARC support worker and a forensic examiner will come to A&E if necessary, or will arrange to meet you at the SARC if you are fit and able to travel. It is always best if you can to come to the SARC and be examined by a trained forensic examiner, as this is a doctor who is experienced in examining people who have been raped, and will also be able to provide proper medical evidence should your case ever proceed to a trial. 

If the assault happened some time ago you may decide you don’t want to access the SARC, but you can still contact RASA who offer telephone support and face to face counselling. You may of course choose to seek support from both agencies if you feel that this is what you need. 

At the SARC there are a wide range of services that you can access including crisis and emotional support, forensic testing, screening for sexually transmitted infections, and referrals for advocacy and counselling, etc.  Wherever you choose to go it is important to know that you can choose to have a friend, relative, anybody that you trust with you – you do not have to do this on your own. If you are not sure if this is what you want to do then you can contact RASA or the VVAT and they can offer you support and advice.

Once you get to the SARC you will be met by a specially trained Crisis intervention worker who will explain all of your options and arrange for a forensic medical examiner to examine you if you decide this is what you want.  They will also provide you with emotional support and arrange for access to ongoing support with the VVAT afterwards.  At this stage you may or may not want to report the assault you have experienced to the police, but it is important that you know that you can change your mind at any time and report the rape or sexual assault. 

If you have not already sought medical help there may be lots of questions that you would like answers to before you do so.  For example you may be concerned about what tests are really appropriate, or what will appear on your medical records if you go to your  G.P/ A&E/ the SARC, and what would be the implications of some of the possible tests, particularly tests for Sexually Transmitted Diseases. If you attend the SARC a Crisis Worker will explain all of the different tests and options and will ensure that you are enabled and empowered to make the right choices for you. 

If you decide to report the assault to the police then this will be taken seriously and investigated.  The police now have specialist police officers and Crown Prosecutors who are based together within the Unity Team, as well as specialist police officers within the Family Crimes Investigation Unit (FCIU), that deal with all rape victims to ensure that the victim gets the best possible response from the Criminal Justice System, depending on their individual circumstances.  If you have not already been to the SARC the police will offer to refer anyone who has been recently raped or

If it is not safe for you to return home they will assist you to find a safe place to stay and they will refer you to the VVAT (Vulnerable Victims’ Advocacy Team) in Sefton. An advocate will contact you within 24 hours of the referral being made to them, or the next working day, and they will arrange to meet with you as soon as possible and ensure that you are provided with practical advice, emotional support and all of you safety needs are taken care of for as long as is necessary.  The VVAT  will liaise with the investigating officer on your behalf, and will work very closely with them.  They will also work very closely with any other agencies that you need to access to ensure that you get the best possible services to support you.  They can also ensure that if your case is going to court that all of your needs are taken care of and they can also attend court with this is what you would like to happen.  They will also assist you to access longer term counselling support through RASA.

Sometimes when someone is raped they find it hard to tell people straight away, and only tell much later on. However hard it is telling someone will help you to not be alone with this awful trauma and you will be helped to access support services who can really help you, and in time you my find that you are able to move on from what has happened to you.

Do not feel ashamed, this is not your fault, the only person or people responsible are those who assaulted you. If the assault happened a while ago it may not be relevant to go to a doctor, unless you still have health problems associated with the sexual assault. For example you may feel depressed, or anxious, or have been drinking or taking drugs to try and cope with what has happened to you. If you have any concerns or health needs then please visit a trusted health professional or your GP. They will help you in confidence and will help you to think about your options. However, you can take your time to think this through – you need to feel in control, and that you are doing what’s best for you when you are ready. But please take care of yourself because you and your health needs are very important.

At any time you can contact RASA and they will provide you with advice, support and counselling. You can also contact the Vulnerable Victims Advocacy Team.

However long ago a rape happened you can still report the assault to the police. It is important to remember though that there may well be less evidence as time goes on, and it may well be more difficult to gather enough evidence to try and take a case to court. But the police and the CPS will always try to build a case and will provide you with all the help that you can to try and help you to get justice.

If a friend or relative, or someone you are working with, tells you they have been raped or sexually assaulted then it’s important to treat them sensitively and believe them, and offer to assist them to access support services.  Remember that often people do not tell about rape at the time it happens, and it may well be that the person has been raped some time ago.  Often people are threatened that if they tell bad things could happen to them or loved one, so whatever the reasons never ask them why they have chosen to tell now.  The fact that they have trusted you enough to disclose to you should be viewed as a great privilege and the person should be treated with great sensitively and respect. 

The important thing is that the person feels supported, that all of their options are explained to and that they feel in control of what happens next.  Never pressure them into doing, or talking about things they are not ready to face. When they are ready they will speak to someone, providing they feel that the person is ready and able to listen to them.

Women, and men, who are sexually assaulted are often afraid of how other people will react to what has happened to them, they may fear not being believed, embarrassment, having their experiences minimised or trivialised, even fear rejection. They will also have their own questions about what has happened to them, and has happened to them since the assault, particularly if this was a long time ago. 

Confronting the perpetrator, phoning the police, or making appointments with services ‘on their behalf' may make them feel much worse, and you can best help by listening to the person and asking  or checking out what they want to happen.  Do not tell anyone what you believe they ought to do, instead always help them explore their options, and understand they need to feel in control as all of the control has been taken away from them by what has happened to them when they have been assaulted.  However, it is important to consider the person’s safety.  It is important to know whether the person who assaulted them poses any risk now, is it safe for the person to return home, or do they need a place of safety.  They can contact one of the support agencies on this page, or access services through our directory of services or ask you to do so on their behalf.    

If you need extra security measures to your home because you are frightened that the person who assaulted and hurt you knows where you live then Sefton Council’s Sanctuary Scheme provides additional safety and security measures to enable any victim of violence and abuse (including rape and sexual assault) to either remain in the own home with a view to providing a greater degree of safety and a reduction of risk, or to relocate and prevent further violence and abuse.  The Sanctuary Scheme is not a means tested service and you can self refer, or an agency that is working with you can refer you if you prefer.  Extra security measures can include stronger locks, film for windows, alarms, fire alarms etc. To find out more about the Sanctuary Scheme visit our Sanctuary Scheme page on this site.

Providing you live, or will live in Sefton if you are being rehoused, and you have experienced domestic or sexual violence, and fear further violence and fear having to move to escape, you can access the Sanctuary Scheme. 
The Sanctuary scheme can be accessed by contacting the Vulnerable Victim’s Advocates Team by completing the referral form at our Report Violence and Abuse page or telephoning the VVAT on 0151 934 5142. 

The VVAT will then arrange for someone to come and see you and carry out a needs and risk assessment  They will then discuss with you the identified risks and whether the Sanctuary Scheme can help you and minimise the risks.  They will also discuss all all of your other needs and how these can be met, and safety plan with you.  If at this stage the risks are too high then the advocate who visits you will discuss other options, including perhaps moving into safe temporary accommodation, or being rehoused.

If the risks can be managed, and Sanctuary could make you safer, then the advocate will then organise for a property survey to be conducted.  The Community Safety Team, Merseyside Police and Merseyside Fire and Rescue service will conduct this survey.  If they judge that your property can be made safer they will then agree to put in place the additional safety and security that is necessary to try and reduce the risks and keep you safer. 

Then with your permission, and the permission of your landlord if you do not own your own property, they will arrange for the work to be carried out.   The advocate will support you throughout this process and will work with you for at least 12 months after the installation of Sanctuary. Sanctuary and the support it brings can help you SAY NO TO FEAR