#itsnotok - supporting survivors of rape and sexual violence

The Black Country Rape & Sexual Violence Service is here to help

Black Country Women’s Aid supports over 9000 adults and children a year, who are affected by the trauma of violence, rape, and exploitation.

As an Independent Sexual Violence Advisors, it is our job to support women, men and young people who have experienced sexual abuse and sexual violence. We often find ourselves explaining what we mean by ‘support’. To wrap it up in a sentence or two, we listen to what you have to say about what’s happening in your life now.

We care about how you are doing:

Are you sleeping okay?
How’s your appetite?
Are you able to eat okay?
Can you get yourself out of bed in the morning and get on with everyday things? Without feeling anxious, overwhelmed, guilty, angry, ashamed or suicidal?
Are you able to face going out with your friends or spend time with your family? Without wanting to run and hide?

We are here to help you

These things are important, and we use what you tell us to put together a support plan. It’s like a roadmap of the steps needed to move forward, where you can address what’s not been okay. We offer specialist counsellors to help you with this. You don’t have to do this alone.

We ask whether you want to report to the police. Many of our clients accept our support to do this, and some clients choose not to and that is okay with us. It is your choice.

We are keen to know you are okay to engage with the plan. Recovery from the impact of abuse can have its stops and starts, but we understand your intentions and work with what you are able to do.

We offer you an unwavering belief change is possible, because it is possible.

Our contribution to the national #itsnotok campaign highlights some of the challenges facing anyone who has experienced sexual abuse and/or sexual violence.

Myths have a big impact on survivors of rape and sexual violence. They can affect whether you feel you will be believed, and cause you to have anxiety about if you will be blamed for it.

Stand with us

BCWA is calling on all people who believe these myths are not okay to stand with us and as many people as possible to share this message on social media and in conversation with friends, family and colleagues. We hope the more we say #itsnotok, the more we will challenge negative myths which will encourage more people to accept it is not their fault and they can get support.

If you know anyone who has been impacted by abuse please let them know you believe them and it’s not their fault. Using your voice can breakdown these myths and false beliefs.

We encourage anyone who has experienced sexual assault, abuse and violence to call us.

We are here to listen, care and support you.

Please call today on 0121 553 0090.

Click here to download our leaflet, which provides more information about the ISVA service and how it can help you.

How to get involved with #itsnotok

The #ItsNotOK movement provides an opportunity for everybody to make a difference and be the catalyst for a long overdue change. With your support, we can bring to light the falsities of these myths, revealing the reality of rape and sexual violence.

Here’s how you can get involved: