ESSEX-based Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) Caroline Woodcock works closely with people who have been impacted by sexual violence.

Today, she talks about the vital work of the county’s specialised services teams as part of the national Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week (Feb 3-9).

Working for CARA (Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse) which covers Mid and North Essex and Uttlesford and is part of theSynergy Essex* partnership, Caroline supports people in a number of ways, always ensuring their needs are at the heart of the service.

“I think the most important thing I want people to know about our service is that it’s totally confidential and here to help you, in whatever way you need.

“We can offer practical and emotional support and that can be over the phone, at your house, at our outreach premises or wherever you feel comfortable and safe.

“We are here for victims and survivors, even if they do not want to report what has happened to them,” added Caroline.

“A large part of our work is supporting people through the criminal justice system, we provide support in court and help them navigate the system.

“We also work closely with officers across the force to help them understand and improve support for the victims of these complex and sensitive investigations.

“Giving people the space to talk through what’s happened and offering counselling and advocacy services can really help people manage their trauma.

“We can support any survivor of sexual offences, whether this happened recently or in their past or childhood.

“I want people to come forward to get the support they deserve and to know that, if it’s right for them, the police will put you at the heart of their investigation and work tirelessly to secure the evidence needed to bring your case to court.”

Detective Superintendent Natalia Ross, from our Public Protection team, said: “The work that the Synergy teams do, day in and day out, across Essex to support survivors of sexual abuse and their families is vital.

“They not only provide emotional and practical support but work alongside officers during complex and challenging investigations.

“As a force we continue to strive to provide an excellent service to all victims of crime and upskilling our officers with the latest investigative techniques is part of that commitment.

“I want to reassure our communities that sexual violence will not be tolerated in Essex and we will work tirelessly to bring perpetrators to justice.

“We are committed to protecting anyone who has been a victim of a sexual offence. You will be supported and safeguarded.”

*Synergy Essex

Synergy Essex offers independent and specialised services for individuals who have experienced rape or sexual abuse in Essex.

Synergy Essex is a partnership of three services; Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse (CARA), SERICC Rape and Sexual Abuse Specialist Service, and Southend-on-Sea Rape Crisis (SOS Rape Crisis).

The services provided by Synergy Essex are independent of the police. This ensures individuals can seek help whether they choose to report the incident or not. This could be in relation to something that happened recently or in the past.

Survivors and victims can access support by reaching out on their own or through a referral from someone they trust. This could be a family member, friend, or professional.

At Synergy Essex, people of all ages can benefit from specialised emotional support. This includes counselling and advocacy.

For those pursuing legal action, they offer the help of an Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (ISVA). The advisers can guide and support them through the criminal justice process.

To learn more about the services available, please visit the Synergy Essex website.