Hull in print

"Rape is a huge thing to happen to anyone, a nightmare which can stay with the victim for rest of their lives," says Helen Moore, the joint co-ordinator of Hull Rape Crisis.
"It is extremely debilitating for the victim and often has a domino effect on their partners and families so it's vital they come forward for support.
"We help them learn to cope and live again."

Counselling

A group of Hull women set up the service after realising there was a need for a specialist organisation to support the victims of rape.
Many people have benefited, and not only victims themselves, but also their partners and families as they too can be emotionally hurt by the rape of someone they love.
The service, based in the Rainbow Centre, in Wheeler Street, is financially supported by Hull City Council.
Anyone that needs help can ring Hull Rape Crisis to arrange a visit to the centre.
On their arrival, they will meet the staff and when they are ready to talk about their experiences they will be provided with a counsellor.
Counselling sessions, which normally last about 50 minutes, are usually held once a week for about six weeks.
"We never push clients into speaking about anything until they are ready, everything goes at a pace they are comfortable with," adds Helen.
"A person's life can be totally disrupted by a sexual assault and there are often few understanding and sympathetic people they can turn to.
"We are here for them, we provide a welcoming and confidential service, we are people who victims and their partners and families can trust."

A survivor's story

Phone support: volunteer Gill Hirst handles calls from rape victims who are seeking help

Joanne* received help from Hull Rape Crisis after suffering a serious sexual attack from a man she knew.
At first the incident shattered her confidence, leaving her feeling vulnerable and alone and unable to come to terms with what had happened to her.
But it was Joanne's partner who urged her to seek specialist help after he read about Hull Rape Crisis on the Internet.
He gave Joanne the phone number and she made the call.
She began with counselling sessions but continued to make use of the service over a period of eight months.
She was encouraged to phone or visit whenever she needed a listening ear.
"I'm so glad I got in touch with the service," says Joanne, who is in her twenties.
"Speaking to people who really understood what I was going through helped me rebuild my life after the attack."
* The name has been changed to ensure anonymity is preserved.

Know the facts ...

Men are also victims of rape and male victims and their partners and families can approach the service for help.
Hull Rape Crisis is a registered charity run with the help of volunteers.
Every member of the organisation is a qualified or trainee counsellor.
Volunteers visit Hull University, Hull College and schools across the city to raise awareness of the service.
Around 90 per cent of rapes are carried out by someone the victim already knows.
People are urged to watch out for drink spiking when on a night out.
This can include putting vodka in a glass of lager, or a 'date rape' drug called Rohypnol which is used to make women fall unconscious before they are attacked.
To reduce the risk, never leave a drink unattended especially if you are in a bar with someone you have just met.
Women are urged to be vigilant when travelling in taxis by making sure they use a reputable taxi firm.
Pre-book a taxi before you go out and check the driver's ID before you accept the lift.
The service works in close association with the Hull Women's Centre which is also based in the Rainbow Centre in Wheeler Street.

info

People can be referred to the service by their GPs, social services, health visitors, Humberside Police, Victim Support and refer themselves.
For more information please visit www.hullrapecrisis.co.uk or call 329990.


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