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ARCH CEO Nicky Harkin- Teesside Gazette Column 22/02/20

Nicky Harkin, Chief Executive of ARCH North East talks about Sexual Violence Awareness Week in this week’s Teesside Gazette. Guest column in partnership with My Sisters Place.

Firstly, a thank you to My Sisters Place for sharing this platform with us to reflect on this year’s sexual violence awareness week. A national campaign using #itsnotok the week is designed to shine light on conversations around rape and sexual violence bringing them out of the shadows, where they so often lurk and into the spotlight.

At ARCH we used the opportunity to make ourselves visible, letting people know about our service and how they can access free and confidential support, no matter their age, gender or when the experience took place. This year we turned fountains green, spoke on local radio, held stalls, delivered training and generally got ourselves and our message out across Teesside.

At a time when we are seemingly more aware than ever about these crimes thanks to increased media coverage, high profile cases and campaigns, that garner the support of many A-list celebs, you could ask why bother?

Well, in a nutshell because despite all of this more still needs to be done to understand the scale of the issue and let people know that it is ok to ask for help. Nationally 1 in 5 women and 4% of men since the age of 16 are estimated to have experienced some form of sexual abuse. On Teesside this equates to around 45,587 people without taking account of levels of childhood sexual abuse, simply staggering!

Not everyone will want to report to the police, not everyone will want something doing about their experience, we understand this. We also know that unless you or someone you know has been affected it can be hard to comprehend the impact and the harm that rape and sexual abuse causes. Shame plays its part, blame joins in and misplaced feelings of guilt can add to that toxic mix. Speaking out, sharing the burden can be one of the most important first steps to turning the shame into self-esteem, blame into acceptance and putting the guilt firmly where it belongs, with the perpetrator. That’s why awareness is so important and that’s why we will continue to be here year-round when people are ready to talk to us, with a clear promise to listen, to believe and to care. 

Our centre offers a safe environment for you to come and talk. We offer women only spaces in our Middlesbrough office on a Wednesday 5-7pm, Friday 8.30-5pm, and in our Stockton & Hartlepool outreach venues.

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Self Referral Terms

Please read the following information before completing  this referral:

  • ARCH Teesside are a victim focused organisation and as such we do not accept referrals for anyone who is subject (the suspect) to an ongoing police investigation for sexual, domestic, or violent offences, or for anyone who may pose a risk of harm to others.
  • ARCH Teesside Counselling Service provides therapeutic support for anyone in Middlesbrough, Stockton and Hartlepool who has experienced rape or any form of sexual abuse at any time in their lives and is struggling to cope with their feelings and emotions in relation to these experiences.
  • We also offer support to Men and Boys from Redcar and Cleveland. We work in partnership to support the needs of children and young people.
  • Therapy can be hard work and extremely challenging, especially in the early days. We are unable provide emergency crisis support or work with complex or severe mental health issues. For anyone who is struggling with issues relating to substance misuse, other services should also be considered. 

I confirm that the person being referred does not pose a risk of harm to others, and is not known to Police regarding violent or sexual offences.

By ticking this box, I / the person being referred agree for checks to be made regarding their risk status.

ARCH Teesside reserve the right to refuse referrals and the provision of services. All relevant risk and need information should be sent with the referral, contact 01642 822335 for more information. This referral cannot be submitted unless the above information is confirmed.

CONTINUE TO REFERRAL FORM

Professional Referral Terms

Please read the following information before continuing with this referral:

  • ARCH Teesside are a victim focused organisation and as such we do not accept referrals for anyone who is subject (the suspect) to an ongoing police investigation for sexual, domestic, or violent offences, or for anyone who may pose a risk of harm to others.
  • ARCH Teesside Counselling Service provides therapeutic support for anyone in Middlesbrough, Stockton and Hartlepool who has experienced rape or any form of sexual abuse at any time in their lives and is struggling to cope with their feelings and emotions in relation to these experiences.
  • We also offer support to Men and Boys from Redcar and Cleveland. We work in partnership to support the needs of children and young people.
  • Therapy can be hard work and extremely challenging, especially in the early days. It is therefore important that you consider the appropriateness of ARCH for the client’s needs before making a referral.
  • For example, we are unable provide emergency crisis support or work with complex or severe mental health issues. Please speak to our referrals team on (01642) 822335 to discuss needs and appropriateness if you are unsure.
  • In the best interests of the person being referred, consideration should be given to specialist services for anyone who is struggling with issues relating to substance misuse.

I confirm that the person being referred does not pose a risk of harm to others, and is not known to Police regarding violent or sexual offences.

By ticking this box, I / the person being referred agree for checks to be made regarding their risk status.

ARCH Teesside reserve the right to refuse referrals and the provision of services. All relevant risk and need information should be sent with the referral, contact 01642 822335 for more information. This referral cannot be submitted unless the above information is confirmed.

CONTINUE TO REFERRAL FORM