What is sexual abuse?

Rape and sexual assault or sexual acts which you may not have consented to, or could not consent or was pressurised into consenting, including sexual exploitation. It also includes online sexual abuse.

Sexual abuse includes the direct or indirect involvement of the adult at risk in sexual activity or relationships which:

They do not want or to which they have not consented
They lack the mental capacity to consent to the sexual activity
They have been coerced into sexual activity by a person in a position of trust, power or authority

The Meadows Sexual Assault Referral Centre aims to provide a sensitive and comprehensive service to residents of County Durham and Darlington who have experienced rape or sexual assault. Our free services are available to both females and males. If you have been raped or sexually assaulted, staff at The Meadows are there to help you recover physically and emotionally. Many women and men experience difficulties in coming to terms with their ordeal and in carrying on with their everyday life afterwards. There is no right or wrong way to respond in situations of sexual violence - it is important that you try to begin to feel safe again and be able to make your own decisions. The Meadows can offer a forensic medical examination, advice, support, counselling and sexual health screening, and we aim to provide help as soon as you feel ready, whether you wish to report the assault to the police or not. If you do decide to report to the police, we can help you do so. The Meadows is furnished and decorated to provide comfortable, safe surroundings and is located approximately 4 miles outside of Durham City centre, with another smaller premises located in Darlington town centre.

The Meadows Sexual Assault Referral Centre [External Link]

Contact The Meadows on 0191 372 9202. An answer machine is available outside office hours.
For 24 hour Crisis Support Service and Referrals contact 03333 448 283.

You can also contact RSACC Durham and Darlington which provides rape and sexual assault counselling - free confidential counselling and support for women who have experienced any form of sexual violence.

Telephone - 01325 369 933