SARSVL Launch Event - Report (with Audio)

Seven Arts centre in Chapel Allerton, Leeds, saw the launch of the new Rape Crisis service for the district on the 17th March.

The group, going by the name of SARSVL (Support After Rape and Sexual Violence Leeds) will open it's helpline on the 7th April this year. The service will provide a listening line to support women and girls who have experienced rape and sexual violence at any time in their lives. Entirely made up of volunteers, the helpline will be staffed by those who have been on an 8 week training course.

People may call the helpline on 0113 202 1844 to leave a message now to be called back when the helpline opens. Alternatively, Croydon Rape Crisis are open every day of the year, their phone number is 0808 802 9999 and their opening hours are;

Weekdays 12 noon to 2.30 pm and 7 pm to 9.30 pm
Weekends and public holidays 2.30 pm to 5 pm
Answerphone available out of hours.

Here you can listen to the speakers at the event, including Katy Russel (SARSVL steering group), Al Garthwaite (Feminist Campaigner, among other things) and Alison Lowe (Leeds City Councillor) who outline the need for the service and also more details about it.

Links to the other services mentioned by the speakers are at the bottom of the article. More information about SARSVL can be found at www.supportafterrapeleeds.org.uk
If you would like to volunteer for SARSVL or get in touch for any other reason please email info.sarsvl@googlemail.com

You might also hear some of this broadcast by our friends at South Leeds Community Radio, so tune in!

Attached Files

Audio from SARSVL launch

Links:

WIRES – women's information, referral and enquiry service (no longer operating)

To find out more about the history of the women's movement in Britain, and especially the local area, please contact the Feminist Archive North.

Leeds Women's Aid

Leeds Women's Aid offers safe, emergency, temporary accommodation and support to any woman - with or without children - experiencing domestic violence. Helpline: 0113 246 0401 Mon - Fri between 9.30 am and 5 pm Text: 0782 515 6087

Sahara Black Womens' Refuge

Sahara is a refuge that offers safe, supported accommodation to black women with children, single black women and white women with black children all of whom are experiencing or fleeing domestic violence.

Jewish Women's Aid

Call Free on 0800 59 12 03

HALT

HALT works in Leeds offering legal advice, support and advocacy to women who have experienced domestic or sexual violence.

STAR – Surviving Trauma After Rape

Support for anyone aged 14 or over who has experienced rape. STAR Helpline: 01924 298954

Behind Closed Doors

Support for women living in West and North West Leeds, whose lives have been affected by domestic abuse. Call Fre on 0800 328 2430

Genesis

Support, advocacy and information to women of all ages that are involved in, at risk of becoming involved in, or wishing to exit prostitution.

Survivors UK

Support and counselling for men who have been raped or sexually abused. UK National Helpline 0845 122 1201 7pm-10pm Mon/Tue/Thu