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The Haven

Description

Service Description

We are a network of specialist sexual assault referral centres (SARCs) located across London and open 24/7.

Our three centres work closely together to ensure that the same level of service is provided wherever a victim of sexual assault presents.

By providing a good, immediate service, we can reduce the risk of long-term problems as well as preventing the loss of evidence, which is crucial if rapists are to be convicted and prevented from committing further assaults.

We are centres of excellence and our work is internationally recognised as gold standard in the field. Since opening in 2000, we have welcomed more than 20,000 people for specialist care after rape or sexual assault.

The Havens are managed by King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. The service is commissioned and jointly funded by NHS England and the Metropolitan Police Service.

We are located close to three acute London hospitals: King’s College Hospital, St Mary’s Paddington and the Royal London. We also work with external health, statutory and voluntary sector agencies.

Additional Information

Additional Information

What is rape & sexual assault:

Sometimes it can be hard to make sense of what has happened. But knowing what the law says about rape and sexual assault may help you to understand.

It may also help you to decide what to do next.

For advice, call the Havens. You can talk to us and we will listen. We can offer you help, including treatment and support, and make it easier for you to work out what you want to do.

We see anyone in London who has been raped or sexually assaulted in the past 12 months: men, women, young people and children of all ages.

We treat you as an individual because everyone’s experience is different.

We are here for you whether you are straight, lesbian, gay, bisexual or if you identify as transgender (LGBT).

What is important to us is you and your wellbeing, not your ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation or what you do. No one at the Havens will judge you. We are here to help and make things easier for you.

You don’t need to be referred – it is totally up to you if you want to see us.

We can offer you treatment, advice and support, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

What does the law say:

• Rape and sexual assault can happen to anyone – regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation or ethnicity.
• Rape is when someone puts their penis into (penetrates) the vagina, anus or mouth of another person without their consent.
• Assault by penetration is when someone puts another part of their body – or an object – into another person’s vagina or anus without that person’s consent.
• Sexual assault is when someone touches another person in a sexual way, without that person’s consent.

Do I have to report the assault:

It is up to you whether or not you involve the police.

You can contact us first. It will give you time to think about what you want to do next, such as speaking to the police or having a forensic medical examination. When you come to your Haven appointment, you will see a crisis worker who will support and advise you.

We can arrange for you to have an informal discussion with a specially trained police officer. They are experienced in supporting people who have been raped or sexually assaulted and they will give you more information on the police process to help you make your decision. You don’t have to tell them your name and it doesn’t mean you have to make a formal report.

You can call the police first to report what has happened. They will arrange the Haven appointment for you and a specially trained officer will come with you to the centre.

Suitable for ages

Age of Users
All Ages

Costs

Cost
Free

Questions & Answers

Do You Have Child Protection Policies And Procedures
Yes
Has A Service Description?
Yes
Registered For 2 Year Old Grant
No

Further Information

Provider Type
Health Services
Delivery Channels
In Person Telephone
Referral Criteria
By Appointment Only None (Self-referral)