HELPLINE

What you can expect when you call / What if the helpline is shut when I call? / Confidentiality

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT WHEN YOU CALL

When you call the helpline your call will be answered by one of our specially trained women volunteers.  They are there to listen and support you to talk about whatever is on your mind.

We are here to listen to you and believe you 100%. We will never judge or question you.

We know it can be very hard to take that first step and call; we respect this and will never push you to talking about anything you do not want to.

We are here to help you explore your thoughts, feelings and what options you might have. We can give you information about those options, but we will never tell you what you should do. We will support you to decide for yourself, what is right for you as an individual.

The call will be charged at your usual landline rate, if you have insufficient funds to talk we can call you back.

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WHAT IF THE HELPLINE IS SHUT WHEN I CALL?

If you call outside the helpline hours you will hear a message explaining when the helpline is next open.

We have a 24 hour answer machine, you can leave your details if you wish to be called back when the helpline is next open. Please only leave a number if it is safe to do so. If we are unable to get hold of you at the next helpline session we will delete your details and you will then have to call back.

If you need to speak to someone when the Bristol Rape Crisis helpline is shut you can call:
The Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre: 0808 802 9999

They are open every day of the year. 12 - 2.30pm and 7 - 9.30pm
 
The number is free from landlines and public phones, and will not appear on caller’s bills, is also free from the main six UK mobile networks 3, Orange, Vodafone, Virgin, T-Mobile and O2.

You can also contact:
The Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Bristol, The Bridge:  0117 3426999

They provide 24/7 telephone support and advice to all survivors of sexual violence, their family and friends.

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CONFIDENTIALITY

Bristol Rape Crisis is a confidential service.

We do not ask you for any personal details and you do not have to give us your real name.

We don’t trace calls and your number will not show up, so unless you give us identifying information (such as your full name or address) you will remain anonymous.

We will not share what you have said to us with anyone outside of Bristol Rape Crisis.

We will only break confidentiality if:

• you request us to
• if you've given us identifying information, and you’re a vulnerable adult, and we're concerned for your safety
• if you are a child at risk, or you are giving us identifying information about a child at risk. We will discuss this with you first and we will remind you, before you give us identifying information, of our duty under Child Protection and Vulnerable Adult Legislation

Please note: Our number is not hidden and therefore will be displayed on your bill as usual.