About us

Jo Coles - York and North Yorkshire Deputy Mayor for Policing, Fire and Crime

Jo Coles - North Yorkshire Deputy Mayor for Policing, Fire and Crime

Home - Addressing violence against women and girls - #ITSNOTOK – Sexual Abuse & Sexual Violence Awareness Week 2026

#ITSNOTOK – Sexual Abuse & Sexual Violence Awareness Week 2026

The Policing, Fire and Crime Directorate shares information about the services available in York and North Yorkshire for anyone who suffers from sexual abuse and violence.

For Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week this year, Jo Coles, Deputy Mayor for Policing, Fire and Crime, along with York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Policing, Fire and Crime Directorate highlights some of the services they commission to support any victims or survivors of sexual abuse and violence in York and North Yorkshire. #ITSNOTOK 

Independent Sexual Violence Advisor Service

Find out how the Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) service, provided by IDAS – (Independent Domestic Abuse Services) supports any victim or survivor of all forms of sexual violence or abuse, including historic child sexual abuse in North Yorkshire & York. The service also includes access to a specialist ISVA to support BME women & girls employed by the Halo Project. 

IDAS Safe lives, free from abuse and violence

IDAS is the largest specialist charity in the North supporting people affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence.

Acer House Victims’ Centre 

Acer House is the new site for the Adult Sexual Assault Referral Centre (“SARC”) and Child Sexual Assault Assessment Services (“CSAAS”) in York and North Yorkshire. Victims of rape and sexual assault will receive immediate healthcare and a forensic medical examination if required at the Centre, to collect and document evidence. 

Beth talks about what you can expect to happen at the SARC. 

Sexual Assault Referral Centre – We listen. We hear.

We are here to help regardless of when the abuse happened, whether or not you have reported to the police. The staff do not decide for you or tell you what to do. You will be listened to, and staff can talk to you, about your options. 

You will need an appointment before coming to the Centre. To book your appointment please: 

  • Phone: 0330 223 0099 (available 24/7/365 days of the year)  

Please note, only police officers or social workers can make a referral for a child or young person aged 15 years or younger. 

Supporting Victims

If you have been a victim of any crime and need help to cope and recover, contact:

Survive – Rebuilding lives after sexual violence

Survive will listen to you.

Referrals are made via the Supporting Victims Service:   

  • Call: 01609 643 100 

Women’s Centres

The Women’s Centres in York and Scarborough supports all women in a safe, woman only environment.

Further information on both centres can be found on our Women’s Centres page

Check out what some of our partners had to say about the Scarborough Women’s Centre at the open day in July:

Contact

You can find York Women’s Centre at:

97 Union Terrace

York

Y031 7ES

You can contact York Women’s Centre at: [email protected] 

 

You can find Scarborough Women’s Centre at:

2a 2b Pavilions Square

Scarborough

YO11 2JN

You can contact Scarborough Women’s Centre at: [email protected]

What is an Exploitation Risk Assessment Conference?

Did you know that in North Yorkshire we have an Exploitation Risk Assessment Conference (ERAC)?

ERAC is a multi-agency approach to address the needs of women who may be victims of, or at risk of becoming victims of exploitation, including sexual exploitation. This may include ‘survival sex’ such as ‘sex for rent’ or sex in exchange for drugs/alcohol.

If you have concerns about a woman who may be at risk of sexual exploitation please contact [email protected].

Signs to look out for:

  • Physical signs of abuse
  • Multiple Phones
  • New clothes etc, which are unexplained
  • Using multiple names or nicknames
  • Criminal Activity
  • Referencing a ‘cousin’ or ‘uncle’ that they’re staying with
  • Large amounts of money being transferred or not having control over finances / no bank card
  • Not turning up to appointments or asking someone to come with them
  • Turing up in different cars

If you are a woman experiencing sexual exploitation then you can receive confidential, non-judgemental support in a women-only environment at the Women’s Wellness Centre. Please contact [email protected].

Further information can be found on our Women’s Centre page

Exploitation & Missing Support Service – North Yorkshire SOS+ Project Funding

North Yorkshire SOS+ is delivered by St. Giles Trust and provides support to those aged 10-25 who may be affected by exploitation, including:

  • Victims of Exploitation
  • Those who may be at risk of exploitation
  • Those at risk of becoming exploiters
  • Those who repeatedly go missing

In addition to supporting victims of exploitation to cope with the immediate impacts from the crime and to build resilience, the service has a focus on early intervention and prevention, via community outreach and awareness raising across youth and educational settings. The service also works to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of all forms of exploitation.

Any agency can make a referral, and the service accepts self-referrals. For further information or to make a referral please email:
[email protected]

 

Related Pages