Government statistics suggest that 7.5% of adults had experienced sexual abuse before the age of 16, and 90% of the victims were abused by someone they knew. The majority of the victims did not report their sexual abuse due to ‘embarrassment’.
We understand that it is a challenging topic when a child is abused. It does not only affect the child, but it may also affect their loved ones and those around them who are unsure how to navigate through what has happened.
At RoSA, we offer a specialised service for children, young people and their families to ensure they are supported in the best way suited to their needs and requirements.
When a child is abused, it is a shocking circumstance; the child may experience trauma or may not understand why the action has happened, and a parent or guardian may feel that they have let their child down.
Research has shown that many child abuse cases have been hidden. Only 1 in 3 victims tell someone that they are being abused, and only 1 in 8 victims are brought to the attention of children’s services and the police.
At RoSA, we support children and young people who have been subjected to sexual abuse or sexual violence in various ways. We offer multiple options to make accessing counselling straightforward, whether over the phone, online or face to face.
We have an office based in the centre of Rugby, equipped with therapeutic suites to support children and young people, including sensory equipment, to help those with additional needs. In addition we have satellite counselling rooms throughout Warwickshire to provide easy access for all communities.
We can arrange a visit to school, college or learning environment to make enable easy and convenient access to support. We use a range of tools such as music, art and play therapy to make the process of explanation undemanding. We understand that a child may not want to attend counselling, as it is an enormous step they may not be ready for. For these situations, we offer ‘Bridge Support’, where they can build a relationship with ROSA’s young person’s team. Bridge Support allows you to text or call to receive advice and guidance before deciding on counselling.
We are firm advocates of educating children and young people, promoting the phrase, ‘Knowledge is Power’. Therefore, we are happy to be part of school assemblies and we offer school ‘Drop-ins’ to raise awareness amongst students; which also gives an opportunity to discuss accessing support if required.
We see this as an important stepping stone for having open and safe discussions regarding children’s issues and concerns within their education setting or external environment. Additionally, we run the ‘SPACE’ and ‘VISIBLE’ early intervention projects which are tailored to support children regarding emotions, confidence, self-esteem and staying safe.
What we offer
- We offer a counselling service to 5 -18-year-olds (all genders)
- We have dedicated therapeutic rooms throughout Warwickshire where we offer play therapy, sand tray, and creative arts.
- We support our teenage clients to engage in their own creativity and education through art, music, writing song lyrics and poetry.
- School, college counselling service
- Early intervention initiatives to support children and young people to build confidence, self esteem and to promote knowledge and awareness of safety and wellbeing
Services provided by RoSA
- Children and Young People Team: Providing counselling, art & drama therapy, ChISVA (Children’s ISVA) for children from age 5.
- Pre-trial therapy: Pre-trial is counselling that is offered to a victim or witness while the criminal justice process is on-going and a trial may be possible.
- Independent Sexual Violence Advisors: Accredited ISVAs offering practical and emotional support guided by you and tailored to meet your needs.
- Trauma informed courses: To equip you with the skills needed to deal with anxiety and after effects of trauma on a day to day basis.
- Where possible we can arrange to see you in your school, college or education setting
- If you prefer to come out of your learning environment we have local community buildings and venues
- We can offer online, telephone, text and face to face support.
How you might be feeling
If you’re unsure or confused about what’s happened, we can provide a space and support you to talk things through to get a better understanding of what you’ve experienced.
You may think your experience is too big or too small to receive help, we’re confident we will be able to offer support or additional signposting in all areas of trauma.
If necessary, we can work alongside additional service providers to give you the necessary amount of support to cover all your needs
Support in Schools and educational settings
We openly offer advice and support to Schools, parents and educational settings, we can attend School assemblies to provide education, awareness and early intervention initiatives. We also offer a Drop-in service to pupils within their School setting to offer support.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will you tell my parents if I Self harm?
Knowing that you can say anything to your therapist, and it will remain in the room will help you to feel safe and helps you to form trust in the relationship. Therefore, all sessions are confidential unless there is a threat to yourself or others which then becomes a safeguarding concern. This will be discussed with you and any questions you have answered. We will always work with you to try to find alternative safe strategies to manage self-harm
Why will counselling work for me now when it hasn’t before?
Previously, you may not have been ready to fully engage in the counselling process. If you feel this happening again voice this to your counsellor and you might benefit from exploring your concerns resolving any issues.
Does this mean I’m Gay?
No, sexual abuse doesn’t determine your sexual orientation
What did I do wrong?
It is important to remember that the victim is never at fault and is perfectly normal to lose confidence and feel you are to blame. You are not to blame.
Do I have to report this if I’m under 16?
This can be discussed at the stage of contact and is considered case by case as it is based on individual need. If you wish to contact us anonymously with details to check this out, we will support and answer any questions and offer guidance.
Under the age of 13 is a safeguarding concern. We need to be report this to keep you safe, but we can support you through this process, you won’t be on your own.
Will you tell my parents / police I’ve had sex?
Counsellors along with other professionals must follow confidentiality guidelines. This means anything that is said in the room is kept between the client and counsellor. Any information shared would need your written consent. The only time information might be shared without your consent would be if there is a safeguarding concern, you or someone is at risk of danger. If we have a safeguarding concern we will always try to share this with you first.
CHISVA service
We work closely with our CHISVA service to recognise when clients may need additional support around the court process, reporting or more practical support, this is a service that is introduced and to clients at assessment stage and can be accessed at any point in the process. We can hold joint meetings with our client’s family members and CHISVA services to alleviate any additional stress.
Find out more
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We do this through our education programme, providing training, resources and information to professionals working with children, young people and their families.
