The Havens

19 December 2006

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With the festive season just around the corner as the Christmas and New Years celebrations kick in, the temptation to let our hair down and have too much to drink, means that unwittingly many girls and women unknowingly find themselves in dangerous situations. Instances of sexual assault and rape increase during this period.

Sadly many incidents of rape and sexual assault go unreported and victims often find it hard to come forward, or don’t know where to turn.

The Met Police and NHS have formed a special place The Havens in London, to help women who've been sexually assaulted get the aid they so need.

No matter the person or how the incident happened, 'The Havens are there to support everyone, regardless of age or gender through this distressing period and they will be offered free specialist help, and medical and emotional care.

The professionals at The Havens are dedicated to ensuring that all visitors are as secure as possible whilst there, and respected and listened to.

There is the chance for each person to be given their own SOIT (Sexual Offences Investigative Techniques) police officer and the team have now opened their services to individuals who might have been asaulted within the last twelve months.

Whether it occured yesterday, last week, last, month or in the last year - The Havens - can still make a difference.

A person who has had first hand experience of The Havens reveals:

"I never thought I’d be raped. It was really hard to tell anyone, never mind the police, but they were incredibly supportive and took me to a Haven, where I was treated with kindness and respect. I’d advise any victim to contact the police, or a Haven direct, because they will get the care and support they need and deserve".

There are three The Havens in London - just call to make an appointment or receive some counsel:

Kings College Hospital, Camberwell 020 3299 1599
St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington 020 7886 1101
The Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel 020 7247 4787

To receive details for London The Havens direct to your mobile, text HAVENS to 64118.

For further information about The Havens visit www.thehavens.org.uk

For help and advice from the Metropolitan Police visit www.met.police.uk/sapphire

Help is also available for those living outside London. For details of other national Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) visit www.met.police.uk/sapphire/

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